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G  R  I  S  ELD  A: 

A    DRAMATIC    POEM 

IN  FIVE  ACTS. 


TRANSLATED  FOR  THE  Y.  W.  C.  A. 

FROM     THE     GERMAN   OF 

FRIEDRICH     HALM, 

(Baron  Munxh-Bellinghausen,) 

^1  » 

BY 

Mrs.    E  .    PRENTISS. 


PUBLISHED   BY 

THE  YOUNG  WOMEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION, 

7  EAST   FIFTEENTH   STREET,   NEW   YORK. 


O  •: 


Copyright,  1876,  by 
RICHARD     C.    MORSE. 


pr 


'bZsi- 


PERSONS. 


^  Knights  of  the  Round  Table. 


King  Arthur. 

Kenneth  of  Scotland, 

Lancelot,  a  Frenchman, 

Gawain,  I 

Percival  of  Wales, 

Tristan  the  Wise, 

The  King's  Seneschal. 

Ronald,  Percival's  servant. 

Cedric,  a  charcoal-burner  (called  collier  for  sake  of  euphony.) 

A  Boy. 

Ginevra,  wife  of  King  Arthur. 

Oriana,  ) 

•.,  >  Her  Maids  of  Honor. 

Mercia,   ( 

Ellinor,  wife  of  Kenneth. 

Griselda,  Cedric's  daughter,  wife  of  Percival. 

Knights  and  Ladies. 

Percival's  Vassals. 

Griselda's  Women. 

N.  B.    The  author  having,  occasionally,  varied  his  metre,  it  ivcs 
thoitght  best  to  follo-d)  him  in  the  English  version. 


GRISELDA. 


FIRST    ACT. 

King  Arthur's  castle  in  Karducl — A  briUiantly  illu- 
minated^ highly  ornamented  saloon — In  the  background-, 
music — In  the  foreground.,  a  throne  under  a  canopy. 

Scene  I.  —  Richly-dressed  Servants  and  Pages  hasten 
across  the  stage  with  golden  cups  and  glasses — Knights 
and  Ladies  move  up  and  down  in  shoivy  garments-, 
among  them  King  Arthur,  the  Seneschal,  Tris- 
tan THE  Wise,  Percival  of  Wales. 

King  Arthur  approaches  the  Seneschal. 
King  Arthur. 
I  AM  well  pleased,  most  worthy  Seneschal ! 
Thou  rob'st  from  night  the  shimmer  of  its  stars, 
From  the  damp  sea  the  silvery  gleam  of  pearls, 
From  the  earth's  bosom  the  carbuncle's  glow, 
This  festival  with  splendor  to  adorn  : 
I  have  no  more  to  ask,  I  am  content. 

(i) 


2  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Seneschal. 
No  lesser  pomp  I  thought  beseemed,  Sire, 
The  royal  host,  beseemed  the  royal  guests. 
Who,  of  this  kingdom,  are  the  pith  and  flower; 
For  see,  not  one  of  all  thy  knights  has  failed  ; 
Ev'n  Percival,  the  son  of  forest  rude, 
Leaves,  at  thy  call,  the  bosom  of  the  wilds 
And  ventures  in  the  palace  of  his  king, 
To  wear  the  shaggy  bear-skin  on  his  shoulders, 
And  the  rough  doublet  from  the  buffalo  won. 

King  Arthur. 
What  of  his  robe!     A'warrior's  scars  adorn  him, 
Bright  as  the  stars  he  shines  in  his  renown. 
Far  from  my  court  three  years  have  seen  him  absent; 
And  he  is  welcome,  even  in  a  bear-skin. 
But  now  away  !  too  long  our  guests  await  us ! 
Inspire  the  servants'  footsteps,  do  not  suffer 
The  melody  of  music's  sighs  to  die. 
The  wine-cup's  golden  ground  let  no  man  see. 
And  only  let  this  feast's  gay  tumult  cease 
When  daylight  dawns  apace. 

Seneschal. 

On  that  depend  ! 
Daylight,  alone,  shall  desolate  this  hall. 


SCENE  I.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  3 

[King   Arthur   ajid  the  Seneschal  disappear 
■    among-  the  guests.     In  the  meantime  Perci- 
VAL  a;;^/ Tristan  come  forivard. 

Percival. 
Know  you  yon  lady  upon  Kenneth's  arm, 
Who  sweeps  the  flooring  with  her  satin's  hem, 
While  the  proud  heron's  feather  on  her  head 
Reaches  the  gilded  wainscot  of  this  hall  ? 

Tristan. 
It  is  Dame  Ellinor,  and  Kenneth's  wife, 
From  Fingal's  ancient,  royal  race  she  sprang. 
And  unrestrained  as  Fingal  over  Erin, 
In  Kenneth's  house  the  royal  sceptre  bears. 

Percival. 
And  he,  poor  simpleton,  the  sceptre  yields  her  ? 
Wears  he  no  doublet  but  a  woman's  gown  ? 
And  who,  with  magic  wand  and  girdle,  yonder 
In  dreary  meditation  silent  broods, 
As  to  this  throng  a  stranger ;  who  is  she  ? 

Tristan. 
'Tis  the  king's  sister;  she  is  called  Morgana, 
For  her  great  knowledge  she  is  world-renowned, 


4  G  rise  Ida :  [ACT  I. 

And  for  her  insiglit  into  hidden  things; 
In  the  black  art  'tis  even  said  she  deals. 

Percival. 
Better  for  her  in  household  arts  to  deal ! 
Silent  obedience  from  my  wife  I  claim, 
Submission  to  her  husband's  despot  law : 
Wisdom,  like  strength,  is  our  inheritance, 
And  but  a  plaything  in  a  woman's  hand. 

Tristan. 
A  plaything,  Percival  ? 

Percival. 
Yes,  Tristan,  yes  ! 
Would  you  a  woman  picture  to  the  life. 
Just  as  the  Lord  for  our  refreshment  made  her  ? 
She  sits  and  spins  ;  unto  her  swelling  breast 
She  fondly  clasps  her  child ;  her  pious  glance 
Devoutly  turns  away  from  earth  to  heaven. 
What  this  transcends  is  but  superfluous. 
What  time  is  it  ? 

Tristan. 
'Tis  very  nearly  midnight. 


SCENE  I.J  A  Dramatic  Poem. 

Percival. 
It  wearies  me,  this  feast,  would  it  were  over  ! 

Tristan. 
How,  Percival,  this  hall  in  royal  splendor. 
These  joyous  guests  in  this  enticing  throng 
Delight  you  not  ?     Breathes  forth  for  you  in  vain 
The  fragrance  of  this  air .''  in  vain  for  you 
The  Siren  song  of  music  ?     Discontent 
You  nurse  amid  this  regal,  noon-tide  glow  ? 

Percival. 
That  do  I,  Sir !     At  Pendennys,  my  home, 
Halls  in  my  castle  also  shine  and  sparkle. 
And  when  I  bid  them,  guests  come  thither  also. 
And  also  gape,  astonished  at  my  wealth, 
And  pay  their  court  to  me  !     What  do  I  here  .'' 
Bending  my  back,  and  bowing  down  my  knee. 
Who  am  a  monarch  in  my  own  domain  ! 

Tristan. 
Well  see  I,  Percival,  you  long  for  home  ; 
Long  for  your  faithful  wife  and  for  your  child. 

Percival. 
What  say  you  ?     How  } 


6  Griselda :  [ACT  I. 

Tristan. 
I  say  it  is  your  pleasure 
To  sit  at  Pendennys  with  wife  and  child. 

Percival. 
What.?     Slew  I  Cathmor  not,  not  Swen  the  Dane? 
Am  I  not  Percival  ?     Does  not  my  name 
Resound,  with  honor,  through  this  island  green, 
Where  Giant-killer  I  am  proudly  called.'' 

Tristan. 
Truly,  they  call  thee  so. 

Percival. 
And  you,  Sir  Tristan, 
You  think  a  lady's  maid  I  have  become, 
Who  by  the  cradle  sits,  keeps  off  the  flies, 
And  meekly  makes  jack-puddings  for  the  child  .'' 
St.  David,  Sir !     But  I  a  wife  have  taken. 
Not  a  wife  me  ! 

Tristan. 
And  what  is  wanting,  then  ? 
Why  knit  the  wrinkled  brow  as  thunder  clouds 
Portentous  gather? 


SCENE  I.]  A  Dramatic  Pocvi.  7 

Percival. 
I  myself  know  not ! 
It  vexes  me  that  I  am  satisfied ; 
The  day's  insipid  sweetness  makes  me  thirst 
For  gall  and  wormwood ;  as  the  worn-out  palate 
Desires  the  sharpest  flavors,  so  my  temper, 
Weary  of  what  is  charming,  yearns  for  rudeness. 

Tristan. 
Ah,  Percival,  you  know  not  what  you  want ! 

Percival. 
Perhaps  so  ;  yet  I  want  it !     In  our  country 
There  is  a  stream— the  Trent,  we  Welshmen  call  it ; 
It  takes  its  source  amid  the  mountains  high, 
And  noisily  flows  sparkling  through  the  land. 
Now  mark  my  words  :  the  while  its  foaming  water 
Winds  its  way  toiling  through  the  valley's  clefts, 
Rushes  o'er  stones,  and  breaks  through  mountain-passes. 
Making  its  banks  to  tremble  with  its  roar ; 
So  long  like  liquid  crystal  it  is  clear, 
Full  of  young  life  and  of  unbroken  strength  ; 
It  carries  grains  of  gold  within  its  bosom, 
And  trout  sport  gaily  in  its  cool  embrace. 
Yet  if  from  out  the  mountain's  lap  it  ventures, 


8  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Over  the  corn-fields  runs  unlimited, 

And  like  a  wide  sea  spreads  abroad  its  arms, 

It  creeps  with  languor  through  its  marshy  bed, 

With  scarce  a  murmur,  bows  beneath  the  bridge. 

Obeys  the  rudder,  turns  the  miller's  wheel. 

And  toads  and  snakes  amid  its  slime  find  shelter. 

Tristan. 
You  mean  then — 

Percival. 
Ay,  and  swear  it  by  mine  oath ! 
That  I  hold  kinship  with  the  river  Trent, 
And  was  not  born  the  household  wheels  to  turn  ; 
And  were  my  faithful  wife  in  virtue  richer. 
And,  mark  me.  Sir,  a  faithful  wife  is  she, 
If  she  wore  angels'  wings  upon  her  shoulders, 
A  wife,  a  child  alone,  this  bosom  fills  not ! 
But  come,  Sir  Tristan,  yet  a  j^arting  cup, 
And  then  for  home  ! 

Tristan. 
So  early,  Percival  .'* 

Percival. 
If  not  at  once,  then  surely  ere  'tis  morning. 

[  They  go  off. 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Pocvi.  9 

Scene  11— Loud  jniisic  in  the  background — Ginevra  ap- 
pears, heated  from  the  dance — Lancelot  accompanies 
her — They  are  folloiued  at  some  distance  by  Oriana, 
Mercia,  Gawain  and  other  Ktiights  and  Ladies — Ln 
the  backgroufid  are  Kenneth  a>id  Ellinor. 

Lancelot. 

Torture  me  not ;  you  madden  me,  Ginevra  ! 
As  the  hot  sun  the  verdant  meadow  scorches, 
So  with  a  glance  dost  thou  my  brain  consume, 
And  wither  up  and  waste  away  my  thoughts. 
How  can  I  bear  with  thine  inconstancy  .'' 
Thy  smiles  are  falsehoods,  and  thy  tears  are  lies ; 
Thine  anger's  favor,  and  thy  kindness  hate. 
Who  understands — has  ever  understood  thee.' 
Oh,  if  thou  knewest  what  a  wealth  of  love 
This  heart  conceals ! 

Ginevra. 
Speak  lower,  Lancelot ! 

Gawain  {to  Mercia). 
By  those  star-lighted  eyes,  I  ask  it,  Mercir" 
Say,  hate  you  me  ? 


10  Griselda :  [ACT  I. 

Mercia. 

Oh,  no ! 

Gawain. 
You  love  me,  then  ? 

Mercia. 

Oh,  no  ! 

Gawain. 
Have  you  no  milder  word  for  me  ? 
Spake  never  then  within  your  bosom's  depth, 
A  longing  sweet,  a  wish  mysterious  ? 

Mercia. 

Oh,  yes ! 

Gawain. 
Well,  give  it  word  and  voice  then  ! 
Speak,  Mercia,  speak ;  your  heart  unfold  to  me ! 

Mercia. 
I  fain  would  marry.  Sir  ! 

Gawain  {aside). 
Well  now,  good  heavens  ! 
What  leaky  vessels  these  young  creatures  are  ! 


SCENE  ll.J  A   Dramatic  Poan.  ii 

GiNEVRA. 

Nay,  you  deceive  me  not !     Some  pleasant  pictures, 
Like  fleeting  dreams,  pass  lightly  o'er  our  souls, 
But  disappear  as  doth  the  morning  dew  ! 
Truth  lies  in  hatred,  but  lies  not  in  love. 

Lancelot. 
When  thus  love's  pov/er  thou  heartlessly  deniest, 
As  with  a  gloomy  pall  thou  shroudest  life, 
And  snatchest  from  the  heart  the  bloom  of  May. 

\He  continues  to  converse^  in  a  low  tone,  7vith  Gin- 
EVRA,  while  Kenneth  attd  Ellinor  appear 
in  the  foreground. 

Ellinor. 
Do  not  expect,  Sir  Kenneth,  to  deceive  me  ! 
What  did  you  say  to  Lady  Morgana, 
When  you  within  the  window's  recess  sought  her .' 


I,  Ellinor .? 


Kenneth. 

Ellinor. 
Yes,  you,  will  you  deny  it } 


Kenneth. 
Deny  it  ?     No  !     Indeed  I'll  not  deny  it ! 


12         '  Grisclda:  [ACT  I. 

Of  the  black  art  she  prated  unto  me, 
About  the  pathway  of  the  stars  and  planets, 
Till  she  her  thread's  discourse,  I  patience  lost. 
Would  that  she  sat,  herself,  on  one  of  them  ! 

Ellinor. 
Perfidious  man  !     And  I,  this  nursery  tale. 
This  silly,  downright  falsehood,  shall  believe  ? 
Once  safe  at  home,  and  you  shall  pay  for  this  ! 

Gawain. 

What  ails  you,  Kenneth  ?     Say,  are  you  not  well  ? 
You're  shivering  as  if  you  had  a  fever. 

Kenneth. 
'Tis  nothing  but  a  buzzing  in  my  ears,  Sir  ! 

GiNEVRA  {to  Lancelot). 
No  farther,  Lancelot !     There  slumbers  poison, 
And  death  broods  in  the  honey  of  your  words ! 
I  will  hear  nothing  more  !     I'm  weary  now, 
And  for  repose  I  long. 

Lancelot. 
Here  is  a  seat 
Right  royally  adorned,  thou  gracious  one, 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  13 

Worthy  the  Queen  of  Beauty  to  receive. 

\He   leads  her  to  a   throne^   around   7vhich   the 
Kjiights  and  Ladies  gradually  gather. 

GiNEVRA. 

Nay,  do  not  leave  us  yet,  Sir  Lancelot ! 

You  are  my  knight,  be  seated  at  my  feet ! 

Now,  noble  ladies,  heroes  of  renown, 

Approach,  and  let  our  moments  of  repose 

With  cheerful  conversation  be  lit  up. 

But,  first  of  all,  pray  who  among  you  knows 

The  knight  who  by  the  sideboard  is  entrenched. 

The  sunburnt  knight,  with  black  and  curling  locks  ? 

Oriana  {glibly). 
Do  you  mean  Walladmor,  who  to  his  rivals 
From  his  beloved  bore  her  messages  1 
Or  think  you  of  the  slender  Lionel 
Who  wed  his  blooming  spring  to  Signa's  winter. 
And  pays  such  homage  to  her  fading  charms  .'* 

GiNEVRA. 

Not  he  ! 

Oriana. 

Ah,  then,  you  think  of  Ethelrich, 


14  G  rise  Ida  :  [ACT  I. 

Who  seven  years  long  wooed  Mildred,  until  she 
Took  to  herself  Westmoreland  in  the  eighth  ; 
Close  at  his  side  there  sits  Sir  Josalin, 
And  reckons  up  how  many  hides  of  land* 
His  wife  is  wearing  in  her  hair  to-night. 
And  next  him  comes — 

GiNEVRA. 

Quite  right,  thou  naughty  babbler  ; 
And  next  him,  clad  in  bear-skin,  comes  a  knight. 
Who  unadorned  this  festal  scene  insults. 

Oriana. 
Oh,  that  is  Percival,  your  royal  highness ; 
The  Giant-killer  called  throughout  the  land. 

Gawain  (/(?  Ginevra). 
What,  know  you  not  this  hero,  so  renowned  .'' 

Ginevra. 
His  name  and  person  were  unknown  to  me. 

Oriana. 

And  how,  my  gracious  lady,  should  you  know  him  .-' 


*  The  ancient  w.iy  of  measuring  land  by  strips  of  leather. 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem. 

Since  he  has  tak'n  a  wife  into  his  home, 

For  years  from  the  king's  court  he  has  withdrawn, 

And  deep  within  the  dusky  forest  dwelt. 

Kenneth. 
He  has  a  wife  .'' 

Lancelot, 
What,  Percival  is  married  ? 
Could  he,  more  proud  than  mighty  or  renowned, 
Not  find  a  lady  worthy  of  his  hand 
Within  King  Arthur's  court .' 

Oriana. 
Quite  right,  the  same. 

Ellinor. 

He  who  the  royal  blood  too  watery  fancied 
To  mingle  with  the  torrent  of  his  own  } 

Oriana. 

Yes,  this  is  Percival,  the  very  same  ! 

GiNEVRA. 

And  of  what  lineage  is  she  .''     Answer  that. 


i6  Grisclda:  [ACT  I, 

Oriana. 

From  the  "Welsh  mountains  no  report  we  have 
Of  his  wife's  name  or  of  her  lineage. 


GiNEVRA. 

He  is  approaching  :  what  if  I  should  ask  ? 

Oriana. 
I'll  ask  him,  Queen.     You  may  depend  on  me  ! 


Scene    III.  —  Percival,    Tristan,   and    the    Queen's 
party. 

Percival. 

By  heaven  !     I  never  knew  a  milder  fire 
Than  this  new,  fragrant  wine  has  waked  in  me  ! 
My  pulses  fly,  my  face  is  all  aglow. 
And  every  hidden  secret  of  my  soul, 
Ready  for  flight,  sits  winged  on  my  lips. 
^ tX.  'mid  this  crowd  of  courtiers  what  do  I  ? 
In  festal  garments  clad,  they  stand  arrayed, 
Courting  applause,  and  prattling  pretty  things  ! 
I  think  we're  breaking  up  ! 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  17 

Tristan. 
Ah,  Percival, 
The  blackest  darkness  in  the  valleys  broods  ; 
Not  before  morning  dare  I  homeward  ride. 


Sir  Percival ! 


GiNEVRA. 

Percival, 

Who  calls .'' 


Tristan. 

It  is  Ginevra, 
It  is  the  Queen,  she  beckons  you  ;  step  nearer. 

Ginevra. 
Sir  Percival,  pray  will  you  not  acquaint  us 
With  her,  who  you,  th'  invincible,  o'ercame  ? 

Percival. 
What  mean  you,  Queen  ? 

Ginevra. 
I  mean,  Sir,  are  you  married  ? 

Percival, 
Who  says  so } 


1 8  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

GiNEVRA. 

Are  you  not  ? 

Percival. 

Of  course  I  am  ! 
You  think  I  am  ashamed  to  own  it  ?     Nay  ! 
My  wife,  Griselda,  shall  I  then  deny  ? 
With  fairer  wife  this  earth  was  ne'er  adorned, 
And  yet  her  beauty  is  her  smallest  charm  ; 
For  she  is  pious,  humble  as  a  flower, 
Of  lamb-like  patience,  full  of  grace  and  truth. 
Simple  and  plain,  yet  full  of  life  and  soul ; 
I  have  known  many  women,  ne'er  a  better  ! 
What  though  a  charcoal-burner  is  her  father, 
What  though  no  noble  blood  is  in  her  veins  ? 

GiNEVRA  {lialf  aloud  to  those  about  her,  as  all  the  rest  who 
follow). 


Can  it  be  ? 


Oriana. 
Shameful ! 

Gawain. 
But  a  charcoal-burner  ! 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  19 

Ellinor. 
How  my  head  swims  !     This  is  a  perfect  outrage  ! 
Thus  is  our  old  nobility  profaned  ? 

GiNEVRA. 

Sir  Gawain,  follow  Percival's  example  ; 
So  end  your  woman-hatred. 

Gawain. 
Oh,  your  highness, 
Could  I  first  hate,  soon  could  I  turn  to  love  ; 
But  with  a  coat  of  mail  experience  arms  me, 
And  marriage  is  a  very  serious  thing  ! 
Is  it  not  so,  fair  Mercia  ? 

Mercia. 
Yes  ;  oh,  yes  ! 

Gawain. 
You  surely  would  not  take  a  smutty  coalman  ? 

Mercia. 
Oh,  no  ! 

Percival  {to  Tristan). 

What's  c;oing  on  among  them  there  .'' 


20  G  rise  Ida  :  [ACT  I. 

Why  whisper  they  together,  and  why  laugh  ? 
Saint  David  !     Is't  of  me  ? 

Tristan. 

Ay,  Percival ! 
You  know  the  ways  of  women  !     Have  you  never 
Heard  them  talk  nonsense  with  an  air  of  wisdom  ? 
Let  them  alone  !     What  can  they  be  to  you  ? 

GiNEVRA  {to  those  about  her.) 
You  wish  it  ?     Well,  then,  I  will  undertake  it ! 
Sir  Percival,  pray  our  regret  imagine. 
Not  to  behold  this  master-piece,  Griselda ! 
Wherefore  have  you  forbid  her  coming  hither  ? 

Percival. 
Not  my  command,  but  her  own  wish  restrained  her ; 
She  stays  at  home  and  watches  o'er  her  boy. 

Genevra. 
Oh,  soft  maternal  heart,  that  gives  completeness 
To  her  rare  virtues  by  this  consecration  ! 
But  since  we  lose  the  pleasure  of  her  presence, 
Prithee  declare  to  us  by  what  strange  luck 
So  rich  a  treasure  to  your  hand  was  given } 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  2i 

Percival. 
My  Queen,  if  really  you  desire  to  hear  it, 
I'm  not  ashamed  to  tell  the  story  truly  ; 
I'm  my  own  master,  wherefore  should  I  not  ? 


GiNEVRA. 


Begin,  Sir  Percival ! 


Percival. 

Your  royal  highness, 
Three  years  ago,  my  people,  vrith  petitions 
Urgent  and  oft-repeated,  overwhelmed  me, 
At  once  by  marriage  to  preserve  my  race, 
And  from  estrangement  keep  my  heritage. 
But  in  this  xoyal  court  full  oft  I'd  thrown 
A  curious  glance  into  the  female  heart; 
I  found  it  spiteful,  false,  and  treacherous, 
Defiant  of  restraint,  disdainful,  bold, 
Full  of  conceit,  yet  without  faith  or  strength, 
Shameless  in  its  abuse  of  manly  trust, 
And  shameless  also  in  unbridled  lusts  ; 
Finding  none  worthy,  therefore,  of  my  choice, 
Love  died  within  me,  thought  of  marriage  died. 
Nor  do  I  now  repent  me  of  the  loss. 


22  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Ellinor  {in  a  half  whisper.) 
With  his  rude  speech  compared,  his  doublet's  soft ! 


Oriana. 


Insolent  wretch ! 


GiNEVRA. 

But  he  shall  pay  for  this! 
{To  Lancelot,  who  steps  angrily  forward^ 
No  farther,  Lancelot !     Sir  Percival, 
Continue! 

Percival. 

• 

Upon  a  summer  evening 
The  hunt  had  to  the  forest  green  enticed  me. 
In  deep  dejection,  with  myself  at  war  ; 
My  gloomy  breast  with  restless  fancies  full, 
I  wandered  slowly  on,  nor  marked  the  path, 
My  careless  footsteps  leading  me  astray ; 
Until  the  silvery  waters  of  a  brook 
That  through  this  forest  wanders,  checked  my  steps! 
Then  I  looked  up  and  saw,  I  saw,  oh  Queen  ! 
A  maiden  in  unearthly  bekuty  clad, 
Yet  all  unconscious  of  her  loveliness ; 
A  maiden  on  whose  brow  was  written.  Queen, 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  23 

In  letters  from  an  alphabet  of  stars, 
That  God  in  heaven,  when  He  fashioned  her, 
Smiled  softly,  saying,  Perfect  have  I  made  thee ! 
This  maiden,  now  my  wife,  your  Majesty, 
Stood  by  the  brookside,  lost  in  pleasant  thought. 

GiNEVRA  {aside  to  her  party ^ 
No  doubt  she  took  a  bath,  hoping  to  cleanse  her 
From  smut  unseemly  off  her  father's  coals. 

Oriana. 
Not  so,  my  lady  !     For  suppose  the  water 
Should  wash  away  th'  inscription  from  her  forehead. 
That  said  God  made  her  gloriously  perfect } 
She  would  not  risk  it ! 

Percival  {to  Tristan.) 

They  turn  .up  their  noses, 
And  with  grimaces  sly,  look  hitherward  ! 
Saint  David  !  Tristan,  they  are  mocking  me  ! 

Tristan. 

Nay,  Percival,  you  make  too  much  of  it ! 

Let  them  amuse  themselves  with  pastime  poor; 

Why  vex  yourself.-* 


24  Griselda :  [ACT  I. 

Percival. 
Plague  take  these  women's  tongues  ! 

GiNEVRA  {to  her  party.') 
Control  your  wit  and  mirth,  compose  your  faces, 
That  longer  yet  this  pastime  may  amuse  us  ! 
Now,  Percival,  proceed  ! 

Percival. 

What  was  I  saying  ? 
I  have  it  now  !    Beside  the  brook  she  stood  ; 
Her  dusky  hair  hung  rippling  round  her  face, 
And  perched  upon  her  shoulders  sat  a  dove ; 
Right  home-like  sat  she  there,  her  wings  scarce  moving. 
Now  suddenly  she  stoops — I  mean  the  maiden — 
Down  to  the  spring,  and  lets  her  little  feet 
Sink  in  its  waters,  while  her  colored  skirt 
Covered  with  care  what  they  did  not  conceal ; 
And  I  within  the  shadows  of  the  trees. 
Inly  admired  her  graceful  modesty. 
And  as  she  sat  and  gazed  into  the  brook, 
Plashing  and  sporting  with  her  snow-white  feet, 
She  thought  not  of  the  olden  times,  when  girls 
Pleased  to  behold  their  faces  smiling  back 
PVom  the  smooth  water,  used  it  as  their  mirror 


SCENE  III.J  A  Dramatic  Poan.  25 

By  which  to  deck  themselves  and  plait  their  hair  ; 
But  like  a  child  she  sat  with  droll  grimaces, 
Delighted  when  the  brook  gave  back  to  her 
Her  own  distorted  charms  ;   so  then  I  said  : 
Conceited  is  she  not. 


Kenneth. 


The  charming  child  ! 


Ellinor. 

What  is  a  collier's  child  to  you  !     By  heaven  ! 
Don't  make  me  fancy  that  you  know  her,  Sir  ! 

Percival. 
And  now  resounding  through  the  mountain  far, 
From  the  church-tower  rang  forth  the  vesper-bell, 
And  she  grew  grave  and  still,  and  shaking  quickly 
From  off  her  face  the  hair  that  fell  around  it, 
She  cast  a  thoughtful  and  angelic  glance 
Upward,  v/here  clouds  had  caught  the  evening  red. 
And  her  lips  gently  moved  with  whispered  words. 
As  rose-leaves  tremble  when  the  soft  winds  breathe. 
O  she  is  saintly,  flashed  it  through  my  soul ; 
She  marking  on  her  brow  the  holy  cross, 
Lifted  her  face,  bright  with  the  sunset's  flush, 
2 


26  Griselda :  [act  I. 

While  holy  longing  and  devotion's  glow 

Moistened  her  eye  and  hung  like  glory  round  her. 

Then  to  her  breast  the  little  dove  she  clasped, 

Embraced,  caressed  it,  kissed  its  snow-white  wings, 

And  laughed,  when  with  its  rose-red  bill,  it  pecked, 

As  if  with  longing  for  her  fresh  young  lips. 

How  she'd  caress  it,  said  I  to  myself, 

Were  this  her  child,  the  offspring  of  her  love  ! 

And  now  a  voice  resounded  through  the  woods. 

And  cried,  "  Griselda,"  cried  it,  "  Come,  Griselda  !  " 

While  she,  the  distant  voice's  sound  distinguished, 

Sprang  quickly  up,  and  scarcely  lingering 

Her  feet  to  dry,  ran  up  the  dewy  bank 

With  lightning  speed,  her  dove  in  circles  o'er  her, 

Till  in  the  dusky  thicket  disappeared 

For  me  the  last  edge  of  her  flutt'ring  robe. 

"  Obedient  is  she,"  said  I  to  myself; 

And  many  things  revolving,  turned  I  home. 

GiNEVRA. 

By  heaven  !  You  tell  your  tale  so  charmingly. 
And  with  such  warmth  and  truth  to  life,  the  hearer 
Out  of  your  words  can  shape  a  human  form. 
Why,  I  can  see  this  loveliest  of  maidens 
Sit  by  the  brook-side  making  her  grimaces; 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.      '  27 

They  are  right  pretty  faces  spite  of  coal-smut. 
Is  it  not  so,  Sir  Percival  ? 


Oriana  {aside  to  the  Queen) 
My  lady ! 
Behold,  I  beg  you,  how  his  veins  are  swelling. 
And  how  with  crimson  glow  his  fiery  cheeks. 

Gexevra  {to  Oriaxa.) 
His  hairy  doublet  he  perhaps  repents  ! 

Percival  {to  Tristan.) 
Would  with  a  look  that  I  could  poison  her  ! 
I  swell  with  anger,  am  consumed  with  rage. 

Tristan. 

Control  yourself;  heed  not  their  childish  prattle, 
And  take  not  counsel  of  your  angry  blood. 

Percival  {aside.) 

I'll  bide  my  time,  then,  and  that  time  will  come! 
Your  royal  highness !     All  my  serfs  and  vassals 
Gathered  before  my  castle  at  my  call ; 
And  high  upon  my  horse,  in  festal  throng, 


28  Griselda :  [ACT  I. 

I  rode  to  greet  once  more  the  dusky  glade 

The  verdant  cradle  of  Griselda's  charms, 

With  waving  banners  and  resounding  horns. 

Before  her  hut  my  band  of  vassals  halted, 

And  I,  alor.e,  the  lowly  threshold  crossed.  " 

She  sat  between  her  parents,  open-browed, 

Clear-eyed  ;  her  blind  old  father  stroked  her  cheeks, 

Her  gray-haired  mother  sported  with  her  hair  ; 

That  she  to  them  was  all  in  all,  I  saw. 

With  quick  decision  I  before  her  stood. 

"Griselda,"  spake  I,  "  tell  me,  canst  thou  love  me?" 

With  glance  intelligent  she  saw  and  proved  me, 

And  deeply  blushing,  nodded  with  her  head. 

And  further  yet  I  asked  :  "  Wilt  thou,  Griselda, 

Forsake  thy  parents,  give  thyself  to  me  ?" 

And  she  said,  "  Yes  !"     And  then  I  asked  her  further  : 

"  Wilt  thou  to  me  obedience  show,  Griselda, 

As  to  thy  master?"  and  she  said,  ''  I  will!" 

Ah  !  then  I  pressed  a  kiss  upon  her  lips, 

The  gray-haired 'parents  blessed  their  only  child. 

And  in   my  own  strong  arms  I  bore  her  forth, 

Where  all  my  vassals  waited  me  without ; 

"  Behold  your  mistress  !"  cried  I,  "  see  my  bride !" 

Then  shrilly  pealed  the  horns,  and  jubilees 

Resounded  through  the  ranks ;  I  took  her  home. 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  29 

A  priestly  benediction  made  us  one, 
And  so,  your  royal  highness,  I  was  wed  ! 

'  GiNEVRA. 

Sir,  we  congratulate  you  !     May  your  love 
Forever  flame  and  glow  like  burning  coals  ! 

Ellinor. 
May  one  inquire,  most  worthy  Percival, 
How  many  bags  of  coal  your  fair  one  brought  you, 
As  bridal  gift  ? 

Oriana. 

She  brought  him  nothing  more 
Than  the  full  heart  of  love  he  sought  from  her. 
And  that  well  carbonized  with  hot  desire  ! 

Ellinor. 
Sir  Percival,  might  one  a  counsel  give  you  ? 
Have  painted,  as  memorial  of  your  choice, 
A  charcoal-burner's  pole  upon  your  banner  !         « 

GiNEVRA. 

Ah,  tell  me  if  your  wife  still  makes  grimaces? 

And  puffs  her  cheeks  out .''  How  they  must  become  her  X 


30  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Enough  of  jests  !     Sir  Percival,  farewell. 
Bear  to  your  collier's  child  Ginevra's  greeting ! 

[/$•  about  to  go. 

Percival  (enraged). 
Poison  and  dagger,  plague  and  leprosy, 
Rather  than  speak  thy  name  ! 

Tristan. 
You've  lost  your  senses  ! 

Lancelot. 
This  cries  for  blood  ! 

Percival. 
It  does  !     And  you  shall  shed  it ! 

[  They  draiv. 
Ginevra. 
I'm  fainting  ! 

\She  supports  herself  on  Oriana — Tristan,  and 
other  Knights  step  between  the  combatants. 

Tristan. 

Part  them ! 

Gawain. 

Stay  !     Disarm  them  ! 

Percival. 

Back! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  31 

Scene  IV. —  The  Seneschal  steps  foriuard^  foUotued  by 
King  Arthur. 

Seneschal. 
Give  way,  my  masters  all,  and  keep  the  peace ! 
This  castle  is  the  King's !     Back,  gentlemen  ! 

Percival  (tiiho  in  the  meantime  has  shaken  off  all  the 

Kjiights  tvho  restrained  him.) 
Out  of  the  way,  old  fool,  with  thy  white  staff! 
Come  on,  Sir  Lancelot ! 

King  Arthur  {seizing  Percival  by  the  arm). 
Hold,  say  I,  hold  ! 
\^The  music  ceases^  the  other  guests  approach,  astonished. 
Why  trouble  you  my  brilliant  festival, 
And  the  sweet  clangor  of  the  music  deafen 
With  battle-cries,  and  noisy  din  of  arms  .'' 
What  is  it,  Lancelot }     Speak,  Percival ! 
What  is  the  quarrel .'' 

Percival. 

Ask  Ginevra,  yonder ! 


32  G  rise  Ida  :  [ACT  I. 

GiNEVRA. 

W\  Lord  and  King !     The  boldest  arrogance 
Lightly  esteeming  all  our  sacred  rights, 
Has  wounded  and  insulted  me,  thy  Queen, 
Within  thy  castle. 

King  Arthur. 

What !  thou  speakest  truly  ." 

Oriana. 

Truly  so  was  it,  Sire !     With  fury  burning, 
At  passing  words  and  harmless,  playful  jests. 
With  shameful  language  he  approached  the  Queen, 
And  gradually  thence  arose  this  strife. 

King  Arthur. 
And  it  is  really  so  }     Speak,  Percival ! 

Percival. 
With  rough  words,  truly,  I  addressed  her,  Sire  ; 
By  scorn  excited,  goaded  by  contempt. 
When  she  my  wife  contemned  for  her  birth, 
When  she  the  mother  of  my  child  insulted, 
And  every  sacred  impulse  of  my  heart 
Made  despicable  by  her  empty  wit; 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poc:n.  33 

That  did  I,  Sire,  and  injured  thus  again, 

Now,  by  my  father's  beard,  I  would  repeat  them  ! 

King  Arthur. 
Thou  of  this  castle  hast  profaned  the  halls. 
And  in  my  wife  thou  hast  offended  me. 
Thy  Lord  and  King;  the  lustre  of  the  crown 
Is  tarnished  by  the  breath  of  thy  bold  mouth. 

Percival. 
Saint  David  !     Sire,  why  slandered  she  my  wife  .'' 
What  if  a  collier's  child,  the  forest  bore  her, 
Yet  is  she  modest,  faithful,  full  of  love. 
Richer  in  true  adornment  of  the  soul 
Than  any  other  wife  could  boast  before  her ; 
Not  one  of  you,  ye  proud  and  high-born  dames. 
Was  carved  out  from  nobler  wood  than  she, 
And  though  you  flaunt  in  many-colored  rags, 
Not  one  is  equal  to  the  collier's  child, 
Ay,  by  mine  oath,  not  one,  I  say,  not  one ! 

Oriaxa. 
Audacious  braggart !     You  insult  the  Queen  ! 

Tristan  {to  Percival). 
You  go  beyond  all  bounds ;  come  to  your  senses  ! 


34  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Percival  {to  the  Queen,  luho  witli  difficulty  conceals 
her  anger). 
What  angers  thee,  O  Queen  ?     I  tremWe  not 
Before  the  darts  of  thy  majestic  glance  ! 
Not  I !     And  here  before  them  all,  I  say 
If  worth  and  justice  reigned  upon  this  earth, 
She  whom  thou  scornest,  she  would  be  the  Queen, 
And  thou  wouldst  kneel  before  the  collier's  child  ! 

GiNEVRA  {to  King  Arthur). 
And  such  a  gross  affront  you  bear  in  silence. 
And  I  must  bear  it,  also  ? 

King  Arthur. 

Peace,  Ginevra ! 
Not  one  word,  Percival !     Now,  by  my  kingdom  ! 
Injustice  weighs  alike  on  either  side, 
And  neither  party  should  itself  forgive  : 
Only  this  outraged  realm  atonement  asks, 
This  castle's  injured  rights  demand  it  also: 
Thou  therefore,  Percival,  must  penance  do ; 
Yet  mild  and  lenient  shall  thy  sentence  be, 
Gladly  we  will  forgive  and  glad  forget: 
Only  retract  thy  words  ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem,  35 

Percival. 
Retract  them  !     No  ! 


Not  I! 


King  Arthur. 
And  by  mine  oath,  retract  thou  shalt ! 

Percival. 
And  by  mine  oath,  the  heavens  first  shall  fall ! 

Ginevra  {after  some  moments'  reflection). 
Permit  me  now  to  speak,  my  Lord  and  King  ! 
Let  him  unloose  the  knots  who  them  entangled ! 
.Sir  Percival,  you'll  not  retract  your  words, 
And  I  will  kneel  before  the  collier's  child. 


What  say  you  ? 


Percival. 

Lancelot. 
Wonderful ! 

Ellinor. 

She  speaks  at  random  ! 


King  Arthur. 
Ginevra,  art  tl.ou  jesting.' 


36  Griselda :  [ACT  I. 

GiNEVRA. 

Let  me  finish  ! 
I  kneel,  Sir  Knight,  before  the  collier's  child. 
When  you  full  proof  can  give  me,  that  your  wife 
So  faithful,  virtuous,  and  lovely  is, 
So  consecrate  to  you  and  to  your  weal. 
That  if  on  earth  the  good  and  true  took  rank. 
She  should  be  Queen  and  wear  proud  England's  crown ! 
If  this  you  prove,  then  will  I  kneel  to  her. 


Percival. 


You  will  then  ? 


GiNEVRA. 

Yes,  I  will ! 

King  Arthur. 

What,  Percival, 
Will  you  to  doubtful  strife  a  question  leave, 
When  one  repentant  word  would  peace  restore .? 

Percival. 
And  what  for  proofs  and  tests  demand  you,  Queen  } 

GiNEVRA. 

First,  I  demand  that  you  require  your  wife 


SCENE  IV.J  A   Dramatic  Poem.  37 

To  give  to  you  the  boy  that  she  has  borne, 
To  be  delivered  to  your  feudal-lord, 
Who  both  rejects  your  marriage  and  its  fruits, 
And  threatens  banishment  if  you  refuse  ! 

Percival. 
She  loves  her  child,  with  her  whole  soul  she  loves  it, 
But  me  she  loves  yet  more  !     She'd  give  her  life, 
She'd  give  her  child  for  me  !     Shall  I  retract  ? 
What  more  demand  you.  Queen  ? 

GlXEVRA. 

And  further,  Sir, 
Demand  I  from  you  to  disown  your  wife 
In  open  hall  before  your  feudataries. 
Sending  her  helpless,  poor,  and  naked  from  you, 
As  helpless,  poor,  and  naked  you  received  her. 

Percival. 
And  further.  Queen  1 

GiNEVRA. 

And  as  for  your  Griselda, 
Although  her  soul  is  wounded  to  its  depths. 
She  undiminished  tenderness  shall  bear  you  ; 


38  Grisclda :  [act  I. 

Her  glowing  love  shall  not  to  hatred  turn, 
Her  gentle  patience  into  bitterness ; 
Yes,  your  affronts  shall  bind  you  to  her  closer 
Than  when  at  first  you  clasped  her  as  your  bride. 

Percival. 
And  then  ? 

GiNEVRA. 

Then  will  Ginevra  kneel  before  Griselda  ! 
But  if  she  fail,  if  from  this  test  by  fire 
She  come  not  spotless  forth,  like  purest  gold. 
Then,  Percival,  thou  at  my  feet  shalt  kneel  ! 

Percival. 
The  very  poles  shall  kiss  each  other  first ! 

King  Arthur. 
Humble  your  haughtiness.  Sir  Percival ! 
If  a  retraction  wounds  you,  yet  more  deeply 
The  torture  of  these  tests  will  wound  Griselda. 

Ginevra. 
Why  hesitate?     Decide,  Sir  Percival ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  39 

Percival. 
You  fancy  I  am  frightened  at  your  tests  ? 
Griselda  will  come  forth  victorious  ; 
I  am  as  sure  of  It  as  had  she  done  so ! 
Listen ;  her  father,  Cedric  is  his  name, 
A  charcoal-burner,  blind,  advanced  in  years, 
But  rough,  inflexible,  and  quarrelsome, 
With  me  contended  for  the  mastery, 
And  since  his  pride  refused  me  homage  due, 
Furious  with  rage  I  showed  him  to  the  door. 
Griselda  saw  it,  and  she  wept,  O  Queen  ! 
Shi  wept,  but  she  v/as  silent !     Would  you  more  ? 
A  year  ago,  perhaps,  I  lay  exhausted 
By  serious  wounds  and  very  nigh  to  death. 
At  the  same  time  Griselda's  mother  sickened, 
And  fain  would  bless  her  in  her  parting  hour; 
But  she,  oppressed  with  care,  and  comfortless, 
Not  a  foot's  length  would  venture  from  my  couch 
Till  I  was  cured.     Meanwhile  the  mother  died, 
And  saw  her  child  no  more  !     And  I  shall  tremble  } 
I  enter  on  the  contest  safely,  Queen ! 
I  am  her  all,  the  victory  is  mine  ! 

Oriana. 

First  win  the  victory,  then  rejoice  in  it  ! 


40  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Tristan. 

Griselda's  love  has  verified  tlie  deed  ; 
Be  not  by  cunning  trickery  enticed. 
Retract,  Sir  Percival  I 

Percival  {aside.) 

What  cutting  pain, 
What  bitter  grief  her  heart  will  penetrate, 
When  she  essays  this  testing  path  of  thorns  ; 
Yet  for  my  sake  her  courage  will  not  quail, 
And  she  shall  show  what  love  can  do  and  bear. 
The  question.  Queen,  you  will  decide  by  strife  ; 
Well,  let  it  be  so  !     Combat  shall  decide  ! 

King  Arthur. 
Then  you  consent .'' 

Tristan. 

Unhappy  man,  retract ! 

King  Arthur. 
Reflect  on  your  decision,  Percival ; 
To  spare  yourself  a  single  drop  of  gall, 
You  give  it  in  full  measure  to  your  wife  ! 
Act  not  from  impulse,  follow  better  counsel ; 
Time  for  reflection  we  will  gladly  give  ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  41 

Percival. 
My  knightly  word  is  valid  for  all  times  ! 

GiNEVRA. 

Two  knights,  then,  will  be  chosen  by  the  King, 
And  go  as  escorts  with  you  to  your  home. 
That  all  unwarned,  Griselda's  vaunted  worth 
May  shine  upon  them  in  unsullied  light ; 
Nor  shall  the  trial  end,  the  gloomy  j^roblem 
Be  solved  till  I,  myself,  shall  lift  the  veil ; 
Promise  you  this  ? 

Percival. 

I  promise  it,  your  highness  ! 

King  Arthur. 
You  follow  your  own  will,  then,  Percival  ! 
Gawain  and  Tristan  shall  escort  you  home  ! 
Depart  in  peace. 

Percival. 

I  bid  you,  Sire,  farewell, 
We're  breaking  up  !     To  horse  !     To  horse,  my  com- 
rades ! 
The  morning  dawns,  and  ere  the  stars  grow  pale, 


42  Grisclda :  [ACT  I. 

Pendennys'  friendly  walls  shall  welcome  us. 

\Departs  with  Gawain  atid  Tristan. 

King  Arthur. 
Ginevra,  come  !     We'll  bring  to  a  conclusion 
A  festival  by  discord  so  embittered  I 
Yet  with  the  morrow  hasten  to  Pendennys, 
And  bring  this  gloomy  mummery  to  an  end ; 
The  hunt  will  lead  me  into  yonder  v^ales  ; 
I  hope  that  I  may  find  you  reconciled  : 
Love  for  the  sins  of  pride  should  not  atone  ! 

Ginevra  {aside  to  Oriana.) 
Down  in  the  dust  he  at  my  feet  shall  kneel ! 


SECOND     ACT. 

Castle  Pendennys — //  is  night :  a  lamp  dimly  lights  up 
the  scene,  which  represents  a  vaulted,  7'ichly-carved  apart- 
ment—  The  main  entrance  is  in  the  background ;  o:i  the 
left  is  a  side-door. 

Scene  I. — Griselda  enters  on  the  left. 
Griselda. 
What  can  detain  him?     Dusky  sinks  the  night, 
In  a  grey  veil  the  pale  moon  hides  away 
Her  faded  face  ;  damp  fogs  and  vapors  rise 
Dismally  from  the  Trent !     What  can  detain  him  ? 
May  no  misfortune  hinder  his  return  ! 
But  listen  I   Hark  I     With  steps  the  halls  resound; 
I  hear  the  door  !     'Tis  he  I  You're  welcome,  Ronald, 
I've  waited  for  thee  long  !  ' 

Ronald. 

My  gracious  lady  I 
The  lowering  weather  makes  a  gloomy  night ; 
The  sky  is  covered  with  such  heavy  clouds 

(43) 


44  Grisclda:  [ACT  II. 

That  oftentimes  I  could  not  see  the  path, 
And  the  thick  darkness  every  step  impeded. 

Griselda. 
Bring  you  a  message  ?     Tell  me,  have  you  seen  him — 
My  blind  old  father,  venerated  man  ? 

Ronald. 
Not  distant  from  his  hut  1  found  him,  lady. 
Where  the  old  oak  'mid  seas  of  foliage  stands; 
Upon  the  moss  reclining  found  I  him. 
And  near  him  lay  the  boy,  his  guide  and  guard. 

Griselda. 
And  as  my  mediator  didst  thou  act, 
And  turn  his  anger  into  love  and  grace  ? 

Ronald. 
T^ady,  full  well  thou  knowest  him  thyself, 
Easy  to  anger,  hard  to  reconcile. 
Gravely  and  mildly  he  received  my  greeting. 
For  friendly  towards  me  was  he  wont  to  be  ; 
But  when  thy  message  I  to  him  made  known 
His  brow  was  darkened  as  with  stormy  clouds; 
About  his  lips  there  played  a  bitter  smile  ; 


SCENE  I.J  A  Dramatic  Poem.  45 

Go,  cried  he,  tell  the  wife  of  Percival, 

No  more  the  collier  shall  the  threshold  cross 

Of  yonder  castle;  never  shall  the  roof 

Of  Pendennys  his  head  presume  to  shade, 

Whom  pride  has  banished  from  his  daughter's  arms, 

Whom  she,  unfilial,  hurries  to  his  grave. 

Griselda. 
Was  it  then  I,  his  child,  who  banished  him  ? 
It  was  Sir  Percival,  his  lord  and  mine. 
And  yet  not  he;  a  moment  unpropitious. 
The  passing  humor  of  a  gloomy  hour, 
Forced  from  his  lips  alone  that  hasty  word. 

Ronald. 

And  so  I  told  him ;  he,  however,  lady, 

With  angry  gestures  made  this  harsh  reply  : 

"  What  she  did  not,  she  suffered  to  be  done ; 

She  could  look  on  and  see  my  banishment ; 

She  could  find  tears,  but  words  she  could  not  find  !" 

Griselda. 
Oh  heaven,  could  I  but  with  silent  tears, 
The  bitter  wrath  of  Percival  oppose  ! 
Submission  only  could  appease  his  rage  ! 


4^  Grisclda :  [ACT  II. 

I  suffered  what  I  could  not  change,  to  be  ; 
But  God,  but  God,  my  agony  could  see. 


Ronald. 

So  told  I  him,  yet  darker,  blacker  yet 

Became  the  angry  cloud  upon  his  brow. 

Then  spake  he  thus  :  "  Much,  much  I  would  forgive  ; 

Yet  this  forgive  I  not ;  she  let  her  mother. 

Who,  dying,  yearned  once  more  to  see  her  child, 

Yearn  for  her  vainly;  for  her  blessing  came  not ; 

The  mother  died,  and  saw  her  child  no  •more  !" 

Griselda. 

And  for  my  husband,  lay  not  Death  in  ambush 
As  for  my  mother  ?     Dared  I  to  forsake  him  .'' 
To  hands  of  hirelings  heartlessly  entrust  him  } 
What  my  soul  suffered  in  those  days  of  care 
I  only  know ;  the  fear  and  the  despair, 
The  eager  filial  longing,  filial  love. 
That  with  the  wife's  affection  fiercely  strove, 
That  saw  He  only  who  counts  up  our  tears. 

Ronald. 
That,  too,  I  told  him,  Indy;  he,  however — 


SCENE  I.J  A  Dramatic  Poem.  47 

Griselda. 
Why  hesitate  ?     Speak  out !     V.'hat  wouldst  conceal  ? 

Ronald. 
Far  better,  lady,  were  it  to  be  silent ; 
'Tis  a  hard  word  the  final  word  he  spake  ; 
'Twill  wound  thee  deeply. 

Griselda. 

Yet  conceal  it  not ! 

•  Ronald. 

Thus,  with  distorted  features,  spake  he  then, 
His  face  inflamed  and  glowing  with  its  rage  ; 
"A  curse,"  he  cried,  "  a  curse  on  your  proud  name, 
And  curses  on  the  pomp  and  pride  of  rank  ! 
They  stole  my  child  from  me  !     For  empty  show, 
A  troop  of  servants,  and  for  glittering  gold 
She  learned  the  collier's  hovel  to  disdain, 
Her  mother's  dying  blessing  to  despise  !" 
Speaking  these  words  he  gathered  up  himself, 
Seized  the  boy's  arm,  motioned  me  not  to  follow. 
And  towards  the  dusky  forest  turned  his  steps. 

Griselda. 
No,  this  offence  lies  not  upon  my  soul ! 


48  Grisclda :  [ACT  II. 

Not  pomp  and  show,  not  empty  pageantry, 

I.ove  only  linked  my  fate  with  Percival's. 

I  gave  my  heart  to  him  to  win  his  own. 

Love's  the  pure  gold  I  craved,  and  love  the  gem  ; 

Of  his  moist  eye  to  catch  the  pearly  shimmer, 

Not  power  to  gain,  or  state,  or  tinsel  glimmer! 

Is  love  a  crime  ?     Well,  I  am  guilty  then  ! 

For  love's  sweet  sake  I  lost  my  mother's  blessing  : 

Love  is  my  happiness,  and  love  my  pride  ! 

Ronald. 

Thou  knowest  thine  innocence  !     Take  courage  then  ! 
Bear  thy  reproach  in  patiefice;  trust  to  time. 

Griselda. 
And  will  it  ever  come,  the  longed-for  time, 
That  will  restore  him  to  his  daughter's  arms  .'' 

Ronald. 

The  time  will  come,  and  will  outrun  thy  hopes ! 
Amid  these  well-known  walls  his  spirit  dwells; 
With  eagerness  he  asked  how  this  one  fared, 
How  that  one  found  himself,  and  more  than  once 
He  showed  parental  fondness  for  the  boy. 


SCENE  I.J  A  Dramatic  Poem.  49 

Griselda. 
Is't  possible  ? 

Ronald. 

'Tis  really  so,  my  lady  ! 
Hope,  therefore,  for  the  best ;  when  passion  cools, 
And  to  reflection  yields,  then  he  will  yearn 
For  the  sweet  pleasures  known  in  other  days  ; 
To  see  his  child,  to  hear  his  grandson's  voice ; 
His  loving  arms  he'll  open  suddenly, 
As  the  firm  rock  will  long  remain  unshaken, 
Until  by  torrents  slowly  undermined, 
When  but  a  touch  will  cause  its  overthrow. 

Griselda. 
How  with  the  dew  of  hope  thou  hast  refreshed  me. 
And  soothed  my  heart  with  gentle,  kindly  words  ! 
I  thank  thee  for  it ;  prithee  now  to  rest ! 

Ronald. 
May  God  protect  you,  lady  !    Sleep  in  peace  !    \Goes  off. 

Griselda  {after  serious  reflection.') 
The  mother  died  and  saw  her  child  no  more  ! 
Oh,  sainted  one  !     If  from  the  heights  of  heaven 
Thou  lookest  down  upon  this  earthly  scene, 
3 


50  G  rise  I  da  :  [ACT  II. 

Forgavest  thou  that  not  thy  daughter's  hand 

Thine  eyelids  closed,  that  not  within  her  arms 

Thou,  dying,  didst  breathe  forth  thy  parting  sigh  ? 

Thou,  too,  for  thy  beloved  didst  forsake 

Thy  country  and  thy  home  ;  made  a  new  home, 

And  was  a  stranger  to  thy  father's  house ! 

Yes,  thou  forgavest  me  the  wifely  love 

That  kept  me  distant  from  thy  dying  bed, 

Though  yearnings  vain  thy  parting  hours  oppressed, 

And  of  ingratitude  thy  soul  accused  me  ! 

Oh,  sharp  reproach,  suspicion  terrible  ! 
Does  evil,  then,  take  the  pre-eminence. 
Even  in  virtue,  e'en  in  love  itself? 
And  love  I  him  too  much  ?     For  his  whole  life. 
The  undivided  treasure  of  his  heart, 
Can  I  give  less  to  him  than  my  whole  self, 
My  heart,  my  life,  my  all,  unlimited  ? 
Did  I  not  vow  eternal  love  to  him  ? 
Is  it  not  duty,  is  it  not  delight. 
And  is  it  not  the  highest  bliss  of  earth. 
Beloved  to  love,  and  loving  to  make  blissful  ? 
Oh,  keep  thee  fast,  my  heart,  unto  thy  love  ! 
Keep  up  thy  cheerful  courage,  bear  unshaken 
Unjust  suspicion  and  thy  father's  pique, 
.\nd  make  atonement  with  thy  drop  of  gall. 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  51 

For  the  untroubled  sweetness  of  thy  love  ! 

\^She  steps  thoughtfully  to  the  ivindow. 
A  dull  obscurity  enfolds  the  valleys, 
And  stares  upon  me  with  its  gloomy  shades  ! 
I  will  to  bed  !     My  dearest  Percival ! 
Dost  think  of  me  amid  the  show  and  glitter 
Of  the  King's  castle  ?     Yes,  thou  thinkest  of  me  ; 
For  as  thine  image  stands  before  my  soul. 
Mine  also  lovingly  round  thee  must  hover  ! 
Good-night !     Good-night,  beloved  Percival ! 
I'll  look  upon  my  child,  and  then  to  bed. 

\She  turns  to  leave  by  the  side  door,  as  Percival, 
Gawain,  and  Tristan  enter  by  the  main 
door. 


Scene  II. — Percival,  Tristan,  Gawain,  Griselda. 

Percival. 
Griselda ! 

Griselda  [rushing  up  to  liini). 

Percival !     Thou  hast  returned  ! 

Once  more  I  see  thee,  dearest  Percival ! 

Percival. 
Good-evening,  my  Griselda  ! 


52  Grisclda:  [ACT  11. 

Griselda  (///  liis  arms). 
Percival  I 
Once  more  I  have  thee  ?     Thou  wast  long  away  ! 
Three  tedious  days  !     And  hast  thou  thought  of  me, 
Or  to  the  ladies  yonder  paid  thy  court  ? 
No  ?     Thou  hast  done  it  not  ?     Now  nevermore 
Shalt  thou  go  forth  from  me  !     Come,  kiss  me  now  ! 
How  the  hot  sunshine  has  embrowned  thy  cheeks ! 
Oh,  how  at  rest  I  feel  upon  thy  breast. 
My  Percival !     My  lord,  my  shield,  my  husband  ! 

Percival. 
But  see,  Griselda  ! 

Griselda. 

What  keeps  thee  here  ? 
Think  of  our  Athelstan,  our  merry  boy. 
Free  from  his  leading-strings,  across  the  hall, 
The  child  ran  safely  on,  nor  stumbled  once ; 
Old  Allan  wept  for  joy  when  he  beheld  it ! 
And  only  think,  my  little  doves  are  fledged ; 
Heart-sore  was  I,  and  troubled  nigh  to  death, 
Not  merely  missing  thee  ;  for  other  things 
Distress  and  torture  me  !     But  let  us  see 
If  thou  of  mother  and  of  child  hast  thought. 
And  what  bright  gift  thou  hast  brought  home  to  us 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Po^in.  53 

From  the  King's  festival  ?     Naught  ?     Hast  forgotten  ? 
Thou  naughty  little  father  ! 

Percival. 

See,  Griselda  ! 
I  have  brought  guests  with  me  !     Go  bid  them  welcome  ! 
Brave  men  are  they,  and  Knights  of  the  Round  Table, 
And  hearest  thou,  Griselda?     Worlhy  friends  ! 

Griselda  (ashamed  and  blushing). 
I  saw  him  only  ;  pardon,  gentlemen  ! 

Tristan. 
We  ask  for  yours  !     The  joy  of  your  re-union 
Should  not  be  poisoned  by  our  presence  here. 
Nor  full  possession  of  it  be  denied  you. 

Percival. 
A  truce.  Sir  Tristan,  to  your  pretty  speeches ! 
I  can  assure  you,  you  are  welcome  here  ! 
Is  it  not  so,  Griselda  .? 

Griselda. 

Surely,  Sirs  ! 
Though  you  are  late,  I  gladly  bid  you  welcome  ! 
Be  pleased  to  follow  me  to  the  saloon. 


54  Griselda :  [ACT  II. 

Percival. 
Not  so,  we  here  remain  ! 

Griselda. 

You'll  wake  the  child  ; 
He's  sleeping  near  us  !     Dost  thou  wish  to  kiss  him  ? 

Percival. 
There's  time  enough  for  that ;  now  forth,  Griselda ! 
Give  us  substantial  food,  and  goblets  flowing ; 
Hard  have  we  ridden,  and  it  storms  without. 
As  if  'twould  sweep  away  both  heaven  and  earth. 
Make  haste,  Griselda,  go  ! 

Griselda. 

I  will,  my  Lord  ! 
All  that  the  house  affords  shall  soon  refresh  you  ; 
I  only  pray  you  waken  not  the  child !  \Goes. 


Scene  HI. — Percival,  Tristan,  Gawain. 

Percival  {loho  has  f/ii-orun  himself  into  an  ann-chair\ 
Once  more,  ye  worthy  knights,  I  bid  you  welcome 
To  my  jioor  house,  to  Castle  Pendennys  ! 


SCENE  1 1 1.  J  A   Dramatic  Poc?n.  55 

That  you  are  truly  so,  you've  seen,  methinks. 
What  think  you  of  the  collier's  daughter?     Say! 

Gawain. 
Ne'er  spake  a  purer  soul  from  fairer  features ; 
And  ev'n  if  outward  semblance  might  deceive, 
Her  eye,  as  the  blue  flame  reveals  the  treasure, 
Shows  her  soul's  worth  ! 

Tristan. 
Like  down  upon  the  peach 
One  sees  timidity  enwrap  her  being, 
And  on  her  brow  a  child's  simplicity. 

Percival. 
You  see  now.  Sirs,  that  I  no  braggart  am  ; 
My  wife  is  fair,  and  that  she's  more  than  fair, 
That  I  not  thouglitlessly  this  strife  began. 
That  shall  you  witness,  that  shall  you  announce  ! 
The  victory  is  mine,  the  Queen  must  kneel! 

Gawain. 

Griselda  loves  her  child  ;  she  will  refuse  him  ! 

Percival  {springing  np). 
You're  dreaming,  Sir!     Refuse,  to  me  refuse  him  ! 


56  Grisclda :  [ACT  XL 

Sever  this  right  arm  if  I  conquer  not. 
I  was  as  certain  ere  my  word  was  given, 
As  certain,  by  my  beard,  as  if  a  contract 
Lay  signed  and  sealed  already  in  my  hand. 
For  me  she  left  her  father,  left  her  mother. 
To  me  she  clung  when  in  her  deepest  grief; 
The  victory  is  mine  ;  the  Queen  must  kneel ! 

Tristan. 
And  such  a  wife,  already  proved  by  sorrow, 
This  strong,  this  true,  this  pure,  this  childlike  wife, 
You  will  torment,  will  torture  unto  death; 
Will  with  a  dagger  measure  the  heart's  depths 
That  only  beats  for  you ;  with  tears  will  fill 
The  eye  that  beams  with  love  in  seeking  yours ! 
O  do  it  not !     Repent  thee  of  the  thought ! 

Percival. 
St.  David  !     Sir,  persistence  is  my  wont. 
And  never  was  I  more  resolved  than  now 
When  this  contention  stimulates  my  will. 
Kindles  my  blood,  on  tension  puts  my  heart, 
And  chases  from  my  soul  discouragement, 
As  from  the  valleys  wind  the  mist  disperses. 
By  heavens,  this  very  night  shall  she  be  tested  ! 
The  victory  is  mine  ;  the  Queen  must  kneel. 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  57 

Tristan. 

Nay,  not  to-night !     Disturb  her  slumber  not, 

Turn  not  to  gall  her  joy  in  your  return  I 

You  wound  her  doubly,  wound  you  her  to-night. 

Percival. 
And  if  I  wound  her,  will  the  smart  remain .? 
Pain  only  dreamed  of  gives  a  joyful  waking. 
If  a  caprice,  a  simple  fancy  prompts  me 
My  body  to  chastise  by  vigorous  fast. 
With  scourge  to  rend  the  flesh  from  off  my  back, 
Or  with  my  dagger  scratch  and  notch  my  hand. 
Who  has  the  right  to  blame  me  .'     But  Griselda 
Is  my  own  wife,  flesh  is  she  of  my  flesh, 
Bone  of  my  bone.     Let  me  but  have  my  way ; 
You  say  she  loves  me  :  let  her  prove  it,  then  ! 

Tristan. 
The  deed  is  yours,  but  mine  was  counsel  true. 

Percival. 
The  thought  of  victory  charms  me  !     And,  by  heaven, 
This  night,  this  moment  I  will  win  it !     Here 
I'll  sit  and  weave  such  lines  into  my  face, 
And  with  such  wrinkles  make  my  brow  to  frown. 


58  G  rise  Ida :  [ACT  II. 

That  not  a  storm-cloud  on  tempestuous  night 
Shall  darker  threaten  than  my  countenance ; 
Nor  storm  and  wind  can  sigh  as  I  v/ill  sigh. 
And  just  in  time,  Sir  Gawain,  I  bethink  me; 
Beneath  these  heights,  within  a  lowly  hut, 
Dwells  a  poor  woman  who  was  once  my  nurse  ; 
Carry  the  boy  there  when  Griselda  yields  him — 
But  hush,  she  comes  ! 

Tristan. 

Yet  once  more,  Percival ! 

Percival. 
Away  with  words  !     And  now,  as  earnest  judges. 
Prepare  to  view  the  contest  and  the  triumph. 


Scene  IV. — ^^Griselda  enters,  followed  by  servanU  zvith 
tankards  and  goblets. 

Griselda. 
Food  is  preparing  and  will  soon  be  ready ; 
Meanwhile  refresh  yourselves,  my  honored  guests, 
With  brimmmg  goblets  of  this  noble  wine. 
I  drink  to  you,  ][)ledge  me  in  friendly  wishes  ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  59 

Gawain. 
Thanks,  lady,  thanks  !     Your  welfare  in  this  cup  ! 

Tristan. 
I  drink  to  fleeting  pain,  and  lasting  joy  ! 

Griselda. 
You  entered  just  in  time  t'  escape  the  tempest 
That  rages  now  in  fury  'mid  the  mountains. 
With  voice  of  thunder  it  awakes  the  echoes. 
And  flash  on  flash  despatches  through  the  air. 

Gawaix. 

For  your  defence  an  angel  watches  there. 

Griselda. 

You  are  too  gracious,  Sir ! 

\_The  servants  have  zvithdrawn ;  Griselda  ap- 
proaches Percival,  -Liiho^  like  one  overwhelm- 
ed with  anxiety,  has  ihrozun  himself  into  an 
arm-chair. 

What,  Percival  I 
You  will  not  drink  ?     Refreshment  you  disdain, 
Such  as  you  ever  craved  .''     What  ails  you.  Sir  ? 
A  veil  of  anxious  thought  obscures  your  features, 


6o  Grisdda :  [ACT  II. 

And  smothered  fire  flames  in  your  countenance  ! 
Where  are  the  smiles  with  which  you  greeted  me? 
You  sigh  ?     Why,  Percival !  you  make  me  tremble  ! 
What  ails  you,  Sir  ? 

Percival. 
Mere  weariness,  no  more  I 

Griselda. 
Not  so !     Deceive  me  not  !     Such  gloomy  shadows 
Did  discontent  ne'er  weave  upon  thy  brow. 
What  ails  thee,  Percival  }     Quick,  let  me  know  it ! 

Percival. 
No  !     Not  to-night !     I'll  spare  you  till  the  morrow  ! 

Griselda. 

Oh,  tell  me  now  whatever  I  must  hear ! 
Through  the  long,  silent  night,  let  me  not  watch, 
Trembling  and  troubled,  overcome  with  fear! 

Percival. 
Thou  choosest,  hear  it  then.     The  King  is  angered 
That  I  have  grafted  on  the  royal  oak 
A  little  willow-twig,  and  that  my  son. 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  6l 

Whose  heritage  will  be  my  sovereignty, 
Sprang  from  the  bosom  of  a  collier's  child. 
And  this  is  his  command,  that  we  deliver 
Our  child  into  his  hands,  and  that  at  once ; 
If  I  refuse,  he  threatens  banishment. 

Griselda  {smiling,  after  a  pause). 

Thou  jestest,  Percival,  thou  wilt  delude  me! 
Thou  are  but  trifling  with  me  ;  in  my  face 
Thou  canst  not  look  unmoved  and  steadfastly; 
Try  if  thou  canst !     Thou  dost  evade  mine  eye, 
And  thy  lip  trembles  !     Ay,  thou  smilest  now  ! 
Go  !  try  some  other  sport,  you  can't  affright  me  ! 

Percival. 
'Tis  thou  who  art  deceived.     My  word  is  truth. 
And    these   {pointing  to    Tristan   and  Gawain)   are 

bearers  of  the  royal  will 
And  the  executors  of  its  command. 

Griselda. 
You  too  would  take  my  child  away  from  me  ! 
Ah,  go,  disguise  yourselves,  that  one  may  fear  you  ! 
Slave  Rupert  clinks  his  chains  when  he  approaches, 
The  were-wolf  howls  when  on  the  track  of  children ! 


62  G  rise  Ida :  [ACT  II. 

Ah,  gentlemen,  you  must  not  play  the  goblin 
In  knightly  guise,  with  spurs  upon  your  heels  ! 

Percival. 

My  word  thou  doubtest,  and  a  thoughtless  child 
Thou  sportest,  smiling,  with  the  Terrible  ; 
Speak  you,  then,  you,  the  royal  messengers, 
And  be  my  witnesses. 


Tristan, 
Sir  Percival 


Speaks  truth. 


Gawain. 

Truly  !     So  is  it  as  he  says  ! 
We  were  sent  here  to  take  away  your  child. 

Griselda. 
It  is  no  jest — the  King  will  tear  my  child. 
My  darling  child  will  tear  from  out  my  heart } 
But  wherefore .'     Why.?     What,  shall  he  penance  do 
Because  his  mother's  lot  was  lowliness  ? 

Percival. 

He  is  the  King,  and  royal  power  is  his  ; 
No  opposition  to  his  will  he  suffers ; 
Make  thy  resolve,  deliver  up  the  child. 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  63 

Griselda. 

Thou  wert  resolved,  Percival,  thou  would st — 

Thou  canst  a  moment  think  of  yielding  him  ? 

Thou  wilt  no  longer  look  upon  the  features 

So  full  of  smiling,  full  of  careless  trust  ? 

No  more  the  ring  of  that  sweet  voice  wilt  hear, 

When  lovingly  it  cries,  "  Dear  little  father?" 

O,  Percival,  thou  wilt  disown  thy  child  ? 

Bethink  thee  of  the  day  on  which  I  bore  him, 

When  thou  didst  clasp  him  to  thy  father's  breast, 

Crying  aloud,  "A  boy,  it  is  a  boy  !" 

Think  of  the  lively  tumult  of  thy  joy  ; 

For  him  thou  didst  forget  me  ;  from  his  face 

There  sprang  for  thee  a  living  fount  of  bliss, 

There  was  no  star  that  seemed  too  far  away. 

With  light  and  glory  to  adorn  his  life, 

And  now  thou  giv'st  him  up  ?     I'll  not  believe  it ! 

Who  can  despoil  the  lion  of  his  young ; 

No,  Percival  will  not  give  up  his  child  ! 

Percival. 

I  must !     Where'er  I  turn  and  look  for  refuge, 
I  no  evasion,  no  escape  can  find  ; 
I  am  constrained  this  path  alone  to  choose  ; 
'Tis  the  King's  will,  I  must  give  up  the  boy. 


64  G  rise  Ida :  [ACT  II. 

Griselda. 

Thou  hast  slain  Cathraor,  and  thou  Swen  hast  slain ; 
He  who  slew  kings,  their  anger  can  sustain  : 
My  Percival,  thou'lt  not  give  up  the  boy ! 
With  every  sacrifice  that  can  be  made, 
Appease  our  monarch  ;  give  him  blood  and  life  ; 
Thy  child,  thine  only  child,  thou  canst  not  give. 

Percival. 

I  tell  thee,  wife,  I  must !     Thou  pleadest  vainly  ! 
I  must  give  up  the  boy  !     I  must  and  will ! 

Griselda. 

He  is  my  child,  as  thine  he  is,  I'll  see   . 
If  thou  wilt  give  him  up.     He  is  my  blood, 
I  bore  him  in  my  bosom,  gave  him  birth, 
I  suckled  him ;  it  was  mine  eye  that  watched 
With  silent  joy  his  progress  beautiful. 
And  my  whole  future  rests  upon  his  head  ! 
Dare  strange  caprices  tear  away  my  child, 
And  rob  it  of  the  guardianship  of  love  ? 

\^She  suddenly  stops  j  then  goes  on  in  restless  haste 
The  King  no  right  possesses  to  my  boy  ; 
He  knows  him  not ;  his  birth  has  angered  him  ; 
He  hates  him  cordially,  and  when  he  has  him — 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  6$ 

Say,  gentlemen,  what  will  he  with  the  boy  ? 

What,  silent !     Say  !     What  will  he  with  the  child  ? 

Tristan. 
Be  not  concerned  !     The  King  is  just  and  mild. 

Gawain. 

What  was  commanded  that  must  be  fulfilled  ; 
He  gave  us  orders,  but  concealed  his  will. 

Griselda  [wi//i  an  expression  of  utmost  angj/ish.) 

Nay,  you  deceive  me  not !     It  is  inscribed 
Upon  your  brows,  in  your  uneasy  glances  : 
He  wants  to  kill  him  !— Will  he  }     Yes,  he  will ! 
For  this  you'll  take  from  me  my  darling  child. 
From  me,  his  mother  ?     Rather  both  mine  eyes  ! 
Attempt  it,  bloody  murderers:  come  on. 
Snatch  him  if  possible  from  his  sweet  dreams 
Before  you  see  me  lifeless  at  your  feet ! 
Shed,  if  you  can,  his  blood,  ere  mine  flows  forth  ! 
Forsaken  child,  thy  father  shields  thee  not, 
I  '11  do  it,  I  a  woman,  yet  a  mother  ! 

Gawain  [to  Tristan.) 
Right  well  I  knew  she'd  not  give  up  the  boy. 


66  Grisclda :  [ACT  II. 

Percival. 
Now  or  never ! 

{Turning  to  Griselda.) 
Be  it  so,  Griselda! 
Keep  thy  child,  then  !     But  guard  his  precious  life 
Henceforth  with  sleepless  care  and  vigilance  ; 
Protect  him  ever  from  a  breath  of  air  ; 
Like  a  rare  gem  preserve  him,  like  a  crown ; 
For  thou  a  costly  price  for  him  hast  given, 
And  with  the  father's  life  hast  bought  the  boy  ! 

Griselda  {jvith  a  cry.) 

With  thy  life,  Percival  ? 

Percival. 

Why  tremblest  thou  } 
Thy  precious  child  remains  !     Though  I'm  proscribed 
And  made  an  outlaw,  though  my  power  is  crushed, 
Though  through  these  valleys  royal  rage  pursues  me 
As  he  unwearied  hunts  the  timid  deer ; 
Though  treason  hastens  after,  might  o'erwhelms, 
Although  the  hangman  to  the  scaffold  drags, 
Yet  hesitate,  yet  falter  not,  Griselda! 
Leave  me  unburied,  leave  my  bones  to  bleach. 
Saving  thy  boy,  thy  highest  wish  thou'lt  reach  ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  6y 

Griselda  {liiith  her  folded  hands  pressed  o?i  her  heart, 
looks  absently  before  her  for  some  moments  ;  then  speaks 
slowly  and  wearily). 

Does  the  King's  anger  threaten  banishment, 
And  put  thy  life  in  danger  ? 

Percival. 

Ay,  Griselda  ! 

Griselda  {almost  inandibly). 
Then  take  away  the  boy  ! 

Percival. 

Thou  wilt  contend 
No  more  ;  thou  giv'st  the  child  ? 

Griselda. 

I  must !  !  ! — 

Percival. 

The  victory's  mine  !     Sir  Gawain,  take  the  boy  ! 

[Gawaix   approaches    the   next    room,    Griselda 
hastens  after  him. 

Griselda. 
Hold  !     Take  him  !     Stay  !     I  cannot,  God  in  heaven  ! 


68  Grisclda :  [act  II. 

Percival. 
Hither,  my  Griselda ! 

[Griselda  turns^  throws  herself  at  Percival's 
feet,  and  looks  up  to  him  7vith  her  clasped 
hands  on  his  knees.  As  Gawain  enters  the 
ante-room  the  curtain  falls. 


THIRD    ACT. 

Scene   I. —  Castle  Pendejinys — A  richly-adorned  saloon. 

Percival  {springing  up). 

If  right  it  is  or  wrong  ?     That  is  the  question  ! 
But  mine  own  right  to  use,  cannot  be  wrong ; 
Yet  what  I  dare,  I  should  do  joyfully  ; 
I  am  not  joyful,  wherefore  am  I  not  ? 

\He  7oalks  up  and  down  restlessly  ;  standing  still 
again,  he  proceeds  : 
That  which  torments  me  is  a  mere  chimera  ! 
I  through  so  many  charming  days  have  yearned, 
Yea,  felt  constrained  to  know,  not  to  believe, 
With  mine  own  eye  to  see,  with  mine  own  ear 
To  hear,  and  tangibly  with  mine  own  hand 
To  seize  upon  and  hold  conviction  fast ; 
For  there  is  faith  in  all  things,  e'en  in  madness  ! 
But  I  for  proofs  have  longed,  and  I  have  sighed 
For  one  of  the  first  tests  of  destiny; 
And  shall  I  tremble  now  at  their  mere  aspect, 
And  from  their  phantoms  shrink  ? 

(69) 


70  Griselda :  [act  III. 

I  prove  my  war-horse  ere  in  him  I  trust ; 

I  prove  my  armor's  weight,  and  my  sword's  temper, 

Before  the  noise  of  battle  rages  round  me  ; 

And  may  not  prove  my  wife  ? 

Shall  I,  for  a  mere  fancy,  lose  the  pleasure 
Of  looking  down  into  her  inmost  soul, 
To  see  mine  image  in  its  crystal  mirror, 
Mine  image  only,  none  approaching  it, 
To  see  her  spirit  so  to  mine  enthralled. 
By  my  breath  ruffled,  trembling  at  my  look. 
Moved  by  the  slightest  motion  of  my  brows, 
That  in  my  will  she  feels  and  she  exists, 
That  I  am  all  in  all  to  her  on  earth : 
Her  lord,  her  king,  her  destiny,  her  god  ! 
Love  knows  no  line  or  measure,  knows  no  bound. 
No  more,  no  less,  is  indivisible, 
And  if  one  grain  is  wanting  in  its  weight, 
A  mote,  an  atom,  then  it  is  not  love  ! 
And  shall  I  bind  me  to  the  possible, 
When  a  mere  test  authenticates  the  real  } 
And  shall  I  rest  content  with  empty  trust 
When  I  can  revel  in  a  certainty  } 
Truly  what  tortures  me  is  a  chimera ! 


SCENE  11. '  A   Dramatic  Poem.  71 

Scene  II. — Percival — Gawain — Later.,  Tristan. 

Percival  {rushing  up  to  Gawain). 
Now,  Gawain,  say  where  have  you  left  my  boy  ? 

Gawain. 
In  faithful  keeping,  noble  Percival, 
Yet  hostile  is  he  to  attendant  strange, 
And  with  his  hands  with  scorn  repulses  her  ; 
He  weeps,  and  with  his  father's  anger  threatens 
The  hand  that  tore  him  from  his  mother's  arms. 

Percival. 

He  will  complain  to  me,  and  of  myself? 
Now,  by  mine  oath  he's  not  so  far  from  right. 
And  in  due  time  I'll  make  atonement  for  it ! 
But  say,  Sir  Gawain,  have  you  summoned  them, 
My  knights  and  vassals,  unto  Pendennys  ? 

Gawain. 
From  all  the  valleys  they  are  flowing  hither. 

Percival. 
Thank  you  !  [Tristan  appears. 

But  see,  what  bring  you  us,  Sir  Tristan } 

Saw  you  Griselda  } 


72  G  rise  Ida :  [ACT  III. 

Tristan. 

Yes,  I  saw  her,  Sir ! 

Percival. 

You  found  her  sorely  troubled,  and  in  tears  ? 

You  hesitate  ?     Speak  !     You  shall  naught  conceal ! 

Tristan. 
In  bearing  to  Griselda  thy  command 
To  meet  thee  here,  I  through  apartments  passed, 
Until  I  reached  the  turret's  winding  stair, 
That  upward  leads  to  the  bow-windowed  room  ; 
And  having  reached  the  door  that  open  stood, 
With  scope  for  sight  and  sound,  I  saw  Griselda. 
Her  hair  fell  limp  and  unadorned  about  her, 
A  stony  image,  motionless  she  sat, 
Scarce  breathing,  dead  though  living ;  on  her  cheek 
Not  even  the  color  of  a  faded  rose, 
And  from  her  eyes  such  seas  of  sorrow  fell. 
That  overflowed  by  tears,  her  lips,  in  truth, 
A  cup  of  wormwood  drank.     Upon  her  lap 
There  lay  a  plaything  that  had  been  her  child's  ; — 
Once  joy  to  him,  now  sting  to  her  distress. 
She  sat  bent  over,  with  her  folded  hands 
Laid  passive  on  her  lap,  and  steadfast  looked 


SCENE  II.J  A  Dramatic  Pocju.  73 

On  her  child's  cradle,  like  to  one  benumbed. 
A  sigh,  heart-rending,  from  her  tortured  breast 
Wrung  itself  sharply  out,  her  briny  tears 
Gushed  forth  again  redoubled  and  afresh. 
She  pressed  the  toy  with  ardor  to  her  breast, 
And  echoed  now  from  heaven  and  now  from  earth, 
She  cried  aloud,  My  child,  my  darling  child  ! 
And  crying  thus  a  heart-string  broke  within 
And  lifeless  sank  she  down  upon  the  earth ! 

Percival. 
Enough !     Enough ! 

Tristan. 
In  her  attendant's  arms, 
A  dawning  life  and  strength  crept  slowly  back : 
She  raised  herself :  a  picture  caught  her  eye. 
The  dolorous  mother  gazing  on  her  Son  ; 
Trembling,  she  staggered  toward  it,  bent  the  knee  ; 
Her  hands  dev^outly  folded  on  her  breast. 
Her  quivering  lips  convulsed  and  cramped  together, 
She  bowed  her  head.     The  veil  of  clouds  was  rent 
That  lay  on  hill  and  mountain  dark  without, 
A  ray  of  sunshine  came  and  kissed  her  cheek, 
And  all  her  features  with  its  light  illumed  ; 
4 


74  Griselda :  [act  III. 

She  smiled,  O  Sir,  what  think  you,  said  the  smile  ? 
The  bud  has  fall'n,  the  flower  shall  fade  erewhile. 

[Percival  /ooAs  dozvn  in  silence  j  after  a  pause-, 
Tristan  steps  nearer,  and  continues. 
That  saw  I,  Sir,  and  sharing  in  her  grief. 
Unmanned  by  witnessing  her  martyrdom, 
My  own  eye  moistened,  hastened  I  away, 
AVith  her  attendants  leaving  thy  behest. 

Percival  (after  a  pause  proudly  erects  himself.) 

Dost  thou  begin  to  tremble,  Percival  ? 
Is  thy  strong  nature  overwhelmed  by  tears  ? 
The  cup  is  filled  and  she  must  empty  it ; 
It  is  resolved  on,  it  shall  be  fulfilled ! 
I  will,  I  must,  I  have  no  other  path. 

Tristan. 

No  other  path  ?     Here  lies  one  close  at  hand  ; 
A  single  word  will  soothe  Griselda's  grief; 
A  single  word  the  clouds  will  scatter  wide, 
That  fold  her  spirit  in  a  starless  night  ! 
Explain  the  riddle  of  this  cruel  sport. 
And  to  the  mother's  arms  restore  her  boy. 

Percival. 
What  of  my  honor,  what  my  plighted  word.-' 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  75 

Tristan. 
Have  it  redeemed  in  presence  of  the  Queen. 

Percival. 
What,  I  shall  kneel  1  shall  kneel  before  her  feet  1 

Tristan. 
Thy  pride  conceived  this  outrage  ;  humble  it. 

Percival. 

I,  never  !  never  !     Not  for  all  earth's  treasures  ! 

Not  for  a  life !     Not  for  a  heavenly  kingdom  ! 

A  woman's  tears  are  like  the  summer  shower, 

That  sprinkles  gently  down  from  fleeting  clouds  ; 

It  passes  over,  and  the  sun  bursts  forth, 

And  the  well-watered  fields  grow  fresh  and  green. 

Griselda  shall  make  proof  what  love  can  do  ; 

But  when  th'  appointed  course  she  shall  have  run, 

When  from  this  night  of  clouds  she  has  emerged, 

I  with  a  rainbow  will  enarch  her  sky  ; 

Its  thousand  hues  shall  float  above  her  head ; 

One  rapture  only  all  her  life  shall  be ! 

I  much  demand  and  your  reproof  is  vital, 

But  I.  too,  am  the  man  to  make  requital ! 


^6  Griselda :  [ACT  III. 

Gawain. 

Banners  are  waving  yonder  on  the  heights, 
And  armor  glitters  in  the  vale  below ; 
They  are  your  vassals,  and  assembled,  Sir. 

Percival. 
I  will  go  forth  to  meet  th'  approaching  host; 
And  you  meanwhile,  with  re-assuring  words. 
Prepare  the  tender  heart  of  my  Griselda 
For  this  new  torture ;  tell  me,  will  you  not } 


It  shall  be  done. 


Gawain. 

Tristan. 

Your  wish  shall  be  fulfilled. 


Percival. 
Farewell,  then  !     Soon  the  drama  will  be  ended, 
Already  I  rejoice  as  conqueror.  [Goes. 

Tristan. 
Ay  !     But  the  angel  who  the  record  keeps 
Of  our  life's  seed-time,  unto  thee  shall  mete 
A  victory  that  ends  in  thy  defeat. 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  77 

Gawaix. 
Here  comes  Griselda ;  slowly  through  the  halls 
She  by  her  host  of  servants  is  conducted. 

Tristan. 
The  picture  she  of  grief!     Like  the  full  ear, 
Her  heavy  head  droops  downward  to  the  earth. 


Scene  III. 

Griselda  {to  her  women.) 
For  all  your  love  accept  my  warmest  thanks ! 
My  steps  no  longer  need  to  be  supported. 
I  beg  you  leave  me  no\v ;  it  all  is  over  ! 
{The  women  retire  to  the  background j  Griselda  steps 

forth.) 
Speak,  noble  knights,  where  tarries  Percival } 
It  was  at  his  request  I  hither  came. 

Gawain. 
Not  long  need  you  await  his  coming,  lady. 

Tristan. 
You  turn  away  your  face  from  us  in  anger. 
Our  very  presence  with  abhorrence  fills  you ; 


78  Grisdda :  [ACT  III. 

Just  is  your  hatred,  and  your  just  reproach 
Though  wordless  'tis,  speaks  loudly  to  my  soul. 

Griselda. 
Hate  you  ?     Nay,  noble  knights,  I  hate  you  not ; 
I  no  man  hate,  not  even  the  King  himself. 

Gawain. 
And  yet  his  is  the  hand  that  wounded  you. 

Griselda. 
The  deed  was  his;  the  will  was  from  above. 
Not  his  the  hand  that  presses  on  my  head : 
Th'  Omnipotent  of  whom  the  air  is  full, 
Who  tosses  crowns  about  like  feather-down, 
Who  knits  His  brow,  and  kingdoms  shake  and  fall, 
Who  nods,  and  worlds  appear,  and  stars  shine  forth, 
Who  nods,  and  they  are  gone  !     He  smote  me.  He  ! 
God  tried  the  strength  of  this  my  haughty  heart, 
And  see,  it  broke,  and  into  tears  dissolved. 

Tristan. 
So  humble,  so  submissive  in  your  grief ! 

Griselda. 
So  humble  and  suljmissive?     Was  I  not 
Right  full  of  haughty  pride  and  self-conceit  ? 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  79 

Received  I  not  as  if  they  were  my  due, 
The  love  of  Percival,  and  then  his  hand  ? 
Was  I  not  proud  when  I  was  called  his  wife  ? 
Did  I  not  glory  in  my  beauteous  child? 
But  I  in  lowly  poverty  was  born ; 
Nor  recognized  the  favor  shown  by  heaven, 
But  took  as  mine  own  right  its  tender  gift ; 
So  in  my  boy  the  Lord  admonished  me, 
He,  blameless,  makes  atonement  for  my  guilt. 

Tristan. 

O,  guard  the  pious  mind  that  strengthens  you, 
With  patience  clad,  with  patience  arm  your  soul ! 
Yet  darker  is  the  fate  that  comes  to  meet  you. 
Still  greater  sacrifice  the  King  requires. 

Grisei.da. 

Yet  greater  sacrifice.''     Say,  what  demands  he  .? 

Threatens  he  Percival  with  his  displeasure .'' 

Does  he  demand  my  life  ?     Speak  !     Let  me  know  ! 

Gawaik 

Fear  not  for  Percival !     The  King's  displeasure 
Threatens  your  life  ! 


8o  Griselda:  [act  III. 

Griselda. 
Make  known  to  me  his  will ! 
What  he  demands,  make  known ! 

Gawain. 
Then  hear  :  he  wills 
That  Percival  the  marriage  tie  unloose 
That  bound  him  imto  you,  and  choose  a  wife 
Of  noble  lineage  equal  to  his  own. 
To  give  him  heirs  befitting  to  his  rank. 

Griselda, 

O  gloomy  phantom  of  my  troubled  dreams, 
So  quickly  hast  thou  come  !     A  single  day 
From  my  brow  snatches  every  crown  of  joy, 
And  plucks  away  the  only  flower  of  hope  ! 
Husband  and  child  !     Alone,  and  desolate, 
A  sea  of  sorrows  gathered  in  one  breast ! 
And  he  ?     And  Percival — O  let  me  know  it. 
What  answered  Percival  ? 

Tristan. 
His  heart  was  heavy 
When  he  obeyed  his  master,  that  his  race 
Might  not  prove  traceless  in  the  stream  of  time, 
And  distant  ages  still  his  fame  regard. 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem. 

Griselda. 

I  have  foreseen  it  I     Many  a  silent  night 
My  spirit  prophesied  it !     Far  too  rich, 
Too  perfect  was  my  happiness  for  life  ; 
It  could  but  hover  o'er  me  as  a  dream, 
And  like  a  lovely  dream  must  flee  away. 
I  see  it  plainly,  it  should  come  to  this ! 
Should  he  deny  himself  a  father's  joys.^* 
And  unto  strangers  alienate  his  rights  } 
Who  can  reproach  him  ?     He  has  rightly  done. 

Gawain. 
Can  you  conceive  it,  Tristan  .''     She  defends  him ! 

Griselda. 
So  turn  thee  home  into  the  forest  shadows, 
Thou  child  of  poverty  and  servitude  ! 
Never  within  this  castle  was  thy  place, 
Upon  its  threshold  bravely  turn  thy  back ; 
With  thee  thou  tak'st  his  image,  bear'st  thy  dreams. 
Thou  wast  by  him  beloved,  and  that  affection 
No  royal  mandate  from  his  heart  can  drive  ; 
He  will  remember  thee,  will  ne'er  forget  thee, 
He  feels  with  thee  the  sundering  of  these  ties ! 
O,  comfort  thee  and  learn  to  yield,  my  heart ! 
4* 


82  Grisdda :  [ACT  III. 

Be  strong  !     No  tears  shalt  thou  from  him  exact, 
Nor  with  complaints  add  stings  to  his  distress ; 
But  you,  most  noble  knights,  make  known  to  me, 
Drives  me  this  very  day  my  fate  from  hence  ? 
Shall  I  not  see  him  more  ? 

Gawain. 

Sir  Percival 
Himself  your  sentence  will  make  known  to  you  : 
In  open  hall,  before  his  nobles  all, 
He  will  dissolve  your  union,  and  your  fate 
This  day  restores  you  to  your  forest  home. 

Tristan. 

There  sound  his  hasty  footsteps  in  the  hall. 
Now  summon  to  you  all  your  nature's  strength. 
And  calmly  go  to  meet  your  cruel  lot. 


Scene  IV. — Percival  joins  the  preceding  with  some  of 
his  most  renowned  vassals  ;  is  joined  by  his  remaining 
Knights  and  vassals,  jvho  enter  noiselessly. 

Percival  {after  a  pause.) 

Receive  my  greetings,  vassals,  men  at  arms  ! 
As  it  beseems,  you  come  in  ranks  complete 


SCENE  IV.]  A   Dramatic  Poem.  83 

Unto  Pendennys,  to  my  feudal  halls; 

I  called  you  and  you  came.     If  now  amazed 

And  wondering  you  ask,  and  cannot  guess, 

Wherefore  I  called  you,  this  is  my  response  : 

You  know  how,  stimulated  by  your  prayers, 

Griselda  there  I  took  to  be  my  wife ; 

Child  of  the  woods,  low  was  her  origin, 

Though  full  of  graces,  virtuous,  and  true  ! 

You  know  that  she  a  little  son  hath  borne  me, 

As  heir  to  my  domains  you  greeted  him  : 

Our  royal  master  and  our  lord,  King  Arthur, 

Rejecting  both  my  marriage  and  its  fruit, 

Demands  renunciation  of  the  child,  * 

That  the  dominion  and  the  dignity 

Descending  to  my  race  from  eagle  proud, 

Be  not  degraded  to  a  spariow's  brood  ; 

And  truly  I  the  King's  behest  fulfil. 

[Griselda  shrinks  painfully  into  herself ; 
after  a  pause  'P¥.^ci\a'l  proceeds. 
To  the  King's  messengers  the  child  I  gave. 
Yet  farther  still,  my  royal  master  wills 
That  I  his  sister.  Morgana,  should  wed, 
Griselda  there  from  out  my  castle  thrusting. 
In  open  hall,  before  my  noble  men. 
As  in  their  sight  I  took  her  for  my  wife. 


84  Grisclda :  .    [ACT  III. 

And  in  obedience  to  the  King's  command, 
I  in  this  open  hall  assemble  you, 
To  see  me  yield  myself  to  his  behest. 

One  of  Percival's  Knights. 
What,  Percival  ? 

Another. 
Thou  hast  decided,  Sir .'' 

A  Third. 
Thou  wilt  disown  thy  wife,  disown  Griselda  ? 

Percival. 
Be  silent  there  !     Silenced  by  my  displeasure  ! 
You  are  called  hither  but  as  witnesses, 
And  not  to  sit  in  judgment  on  my  deeds. 
Behold  and  listen  then,  but  tame  your  tongues! 
Step  forth,  Griselda  ! 

Griselda.  ^ 

Here  I  am,  my  lord  ! 

Percival. 

Listen  and  understand  !     The  sacred  ties 
That  once  united  us,  now  severed  are  : 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  85 

This  hour  our  mutual  compact  renders  void  ! 
Griselda,  dost  thou  hear? 

Griselda. 

I  do,  my  lord  ! 

Percival. 
This  very  day  depart  thou  from  these  halls. 
And  all  the  gifts  with  which  my  love  endow'd  thee, 
Thy  garments,  jewels,  all  embellishments. 
That  do  but  heighten  charms  they  cannot  give, 
Leave  these  behind  ;  for  so  decrees  the  King  : 
That  thou  shalt  leave  me  helples:,  naked,  poor, 
As  naked,  poor  and  helpless  I  received  thee  ; 
And  thus,  before  the  King's  ambassadors, 
And  the  executors  of  his  command, 
Dismiss  I  thee.     Depart  ! 

Griselda. 

My  honored  lord, 
When  from  my  lowly  hut  thou  brought'st  me  home 
To  this  proud  castle,  to  unite  thy  power. 
Thy  name,  thy  dignity  to  nothingness, 
O'erwhelmed  with  love  the  charcoal-burner's  child. 
When  my  felicity  bloomed  forth  apace 


86  Griselda :  [ACT  III. 

Like  flowers  that  open  in  a  single  night ; 

A  voice  spake  warning  in  my  inmost  soul : 

Thy  happiness  shall  not  outlive  the  flowers, 

And  as  it  bloomed  shall  fade  within  a  night. 

And  yielding  to  the  dictate  of  my  fate, 

Not  as  a  gift  did  I  receive  thy  troth, 

But  as  a  loan,  with  love  for  interest, 

Lightly  recalled  as  it  was  lightly  given. 

And  since  thou  now  announcest  that  the  day 

Of  reckoning  has  come,  I'll  not  delay. 

Take  back  what  from  thy  hand  I  have  received, 

The  proud  adornment  of  nobility, 

The  clang  of  name,  preeminence,  and  pomp 

With  which  thy  lavish  hand  invested  me. 

Yet  lingering  only,  with  a  heart  oppressed, 

I  give  thee  back  the  best  and  costliest 

Of  all  the  gifts  thy  love  on  me  conferred ; 

Receive  this  ring,  of  love  the  sign  and  pledge, 

That  made  us  one,  and  blessed  in  making  one ; 

It  was  my  all,  receive  it  back  !     And  so — 

So  go  I  helpless,  poor,  and  naked  hence, 

As  helpless,  poor,  and  naked  hither  came  I. 

Percival. 
What  thou  hast  brought  with  thee  that  take  away, 
Not  more,  not  less. 


SCENE  IV.J  A  Dramatic  Pocvi.  87 

Griselda. 

Full  well,  thou  knowest,  Sir, 
How  thou  didst  bear  me  from  my  father's  house ; 
An  apron  and  a  wretched  woolen  dress 
1  brought  to  thee.     No  beast  of  burden  needs 
To  bear  my  scanty  goods  from  hence  away. 

Percival. 
Then  take  thine  apron  and  thy  woolen  dress. 

Griselda. 

So  will  I,  Sir !     What  else  was  once  mine  own, 
When  for  the  castle  I  exchanged  the  hut. 
Youth's  cheerful  heart,  the  bloom  of  innocence, 
The  spirit  full  of  trust  and  full  of  hope, 
These  gifts  I  bartered  for  yet  sweeter  joys, 
And  for  the  memories  of  a  happy  past ; 
In  one  thing  only  thou  my  debtor  art, 
For,  leaving  thee,  my  love  remains  behind, 
As  of  thy  ring  my  hand  the  trace  retains. 
So  thy  beloved  image  will  my  soul. 

Percivat,. 

A  pointed  arrow  is  her  every  word, 
And  every  look  a  double-edged  sword  ! 
Hasten,  Griselda,  for  thy  time  is  past ! 


88  G  rise  Ida :  [act  hi. 

One  of  Percival's  Knights. 
How  discontent  and  pity  rend  my  heart ! 

Another. 
O  that  obedience  my  lips  should  seal ! 

Griselda. 

A  single  word  yet  trembles  on  my  lips, 
Then  turning  from  this  castle  I  will  fly 
To  the  maternal  bosom  of  the  wilds. 
Farewell,  my  Percival  !     This  loving  heart 
Will  ne'er  forget  the  bliss  endowed  by  thee. 
'Twill  think  of  thee  when  my  remembrance  long 
In  these  apartments  has  for  aye  grown  dim ; 
For  the  dead  past  is  like  a  withered  leaf, 
Swept  lightly  by,  amid  the  whirl  of  time. 
But  henceforth  live  thou  only  joyful  days  ! 
Surrounded  by  the  choicest  gifts  of  heaven, 
Thine  ancient  trunk  keep  green  with  noble  shoots; 
May  laurel  wreaths  and  crowns  thee  overwhelm. 
And  wife  yet  more  beloved  supply  my  place ; 
O  I  will  smile,  will  smile  amid  my  tears. 
If  happier  she  makes  thee  ;  love  thee  more 
Can  no  one,  no  one  on  the  whole  round  globe. 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  89 

Percival     [milder,    and    with    difficulty    concealing    his 

emotion). 
Depart,  Griselda,  for  thy  time  is  past ! 

Griselda. 

I  stretch  my  arms  out  for  a  last  embrace, 

But  they  are  empty ;  and  mine  eye  seeks  thine, 

And  thou  thy  face  concealest  from  my  sight ! 

Yes,  thou  art  right;  wherefore  augment  my  grief, 

And  push  it  to  the  horrors  of  despair  ?     * 

We  must  be  parted,  quickly  be  it  done  ! 

Farewell,  my  Percival!     With  this  one  word 

I  put  the  cup  of  sorrow  to  my  lips 

And  drink  it  dry ;  for  this  one  bitter  word 

Says  all  things,  Percival !     The  lexicon 

Of  grief  has  only  this  one  word  :  Farewell ! 

Farewell,  my  Percival ! 

Percival. 

Depart,  Griselda  ! 

Griselda  {tvith  a  glance  towards  heaven). 

The  Lord  commandeth,  and  the  maid  obeys. 

\She  turns  towards  the  background ;  Percival 
deeply  moved,  covers  his  face,  while  the  women 
of  Griselda /r^j-j  about  her,  weeping. 


90  Griselda :  [act  hi. 

One  of  the  Women. 
Say,  dost  thou  leave  us  ? 

Another. 

Wilt  thou  leave  us,  lady  ? 

A  Third. 
Permit  me  first  thy  garment's  hem  to  kiss ! 

Griselda. 
Leave  me  :  my  time  is  past,  I  must  away ! 

One  of  Percival's  Knights. 
Farewell,  Griselda ! 

Another. 

God  go  with  you,  lady  ! 

Griselda. 

Farewell  to  all !     Though  driven  hence  by  fate, 

One  comfort  yet  is  left  me  in  my  pain  ; 

I  go  lamenting,  but  I  go  lamented  ! 

{She  passes  tlirough  the  crowd  that  accompanies  her 
ill  great  agitaiiofi.  Percival  looks  after  her 
till  she  has  left  the  hall,  then  rushes  down  from 
the  estrade,  seizes  Tristan  by  the  hand,  and 
leads  him  hastily  forward  some  steps. 


SCENE  I  V.J  A  Dramatic  Poem.  91 

Percival. 

Tristan  !     I  was  too  harsh  !     By  all  in  heaven  ! 
'Twas  not  well  done. 

Tristan. 

Thou  followedst  blindly 
The  counsel  of  thine  own  proud  heart ;  'tis  done. 
The  deed  was  thine ;  endure  its  anguish  now  ! 

Percivai,. 

I  was  too  harsh ;  her  love  with  grief  requited, 

And  of  her  soul  the  harmony  transformed 

Into  rude  discord  ! 

\Sound  of  trumpets  heard. 

Hark,  the  clang  of  horns; 

Who  greets,  with  cheers  of  joy,  this  evil  house  ? 

Gawain  {at  the  tvindow). 
See  !     Troops  of  servants  in  tumultuous  crowds 
Fill  up  the  castle's  court ;  a  cavalcade 
Is  passing  'neath  the  gateway's  groaning  arch, 
And  England's  colors  float  upon  the  breeze  ! 
Here  comes  Ginevra,  by  her  court  attended, 
And  Lancelot  is  present  in  the  throng 


92  Grisclda :  [ACT  III. 

Percival. 

O  that  a  thunder-storm  would  drive  them  homeward 
"Whence  they  came  hither  ! 

Tristan  {steps  to  the  winclo'iii). 

Ay,  it  is  the  Queen  ! 
Sir  Lancelot  has  helped  her  to  dismount : 
Supported  by  his  arm  she  nears  the  hall. 
Whence  borne  along  by  the  surrounding  crowd, 
Griselda,  in  departing,  goes  to  meet  her. 

Percival. 
Griselda,  say  you  ? 

Tristan. 

Yes,  I  say  Griselda ! 
See,  she  looks  up,  and  doth  behold  the  Queen, 
And  deep  the  color  glows  upon  her  cheek  ! 
She  presses  to  the  wall,  and  bows  the  knee, 
Yet  Queen  Ginevra  passes  proudly  by, 
Scarce  condescending  on  thy  wife  to  look, 
Who  now,  once  more  urged  forward  by  the  throng, 
Her  weary  steps  toward  the  gate  directs. 

Gawain. 
Sir  Percival!     Behold  here  comes  the  Oueen  ! 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  93 

Scene  V. — Enter  Queen  Ginevra,  attended  by  Lance- 
EOT,  Oriana,  and  other  Knights  and  Ladies — Percival 
goes  to  meet  them  tvith  Tristan  and  Gawain. 

Ginevra. 

We  fear  that  we  as  not  too  welcome  guests 

Enter  this  castle,  noble  Percival ; 

For  undecided  in  the  air  is  poised 

Our  contest  still ;  yet  we  deceive  ourselves, 

If  in  a  guest  thou  scest  an  enemy, 

And  fail'st  to  give  us  hospitable  shelter. 

When  we  the  King's  approach  to  you  announce  ; 

The  hunt  has  drawn  him  into  Stafford's  woods, 

And  food  and  lodging  here  he  hopes  to  find. 

Percival. 

Not  his  own  house  shall  greet  him  with  such  joy 
As  that  with  which  Pendennys  welcomes  him. 

Ginevra. 

We  thank  you  for  your  courteous  reception  ! 
And  now  permit  us,  Percival,  to  ask  : 
What  means  the  throng  that  met  us  at  your  gates, 
And  what  the  multitude  of  mingled  tones 


94  Grisclda :  [ACT  III. 

Resounding  in  our  ears?     Is  it  a  feast 
You  are  about  to  give  ?     Or  held  you  court  ? 
Who  was  the  woman  by  the  crowd  surrounded, 
Who  met  us  at  the  entrance  of  the  hall  ? 

Percival. 

It  was  Griselda,  Queen,  it  was  my  wife, 
From  whose  maternal  breast  I  tore  her  child, 
It  was  my  wife,  whom  I  disgraced,  disowned. 

GiNEVRA. 

Griselda,  say  you  ? 

Oriana. 
What,  she  gave  her  child  ? 

Tristan. 

With  burning  tears,  but  with  a  steadfast  heart, 
For  Percival  she  made  the  sacrifice. 

Lancelot. 
She  gave  her  child  ?     She  went  from  Pendennys  .'' 
Willingly,  say  you,  unresisting  went? 

Tristan. 

Bewept  and  weeping  from  Pendennys  halls 
To  the  mean  hovel  of  the  woods  she  passed, 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  95 

No  angry  word  escaped  from  her  lips,  • 

And  blessings  were  her  parting  salutation. 

Gawain. 
'Twas  even  so,  as  I  can  testify, 
But  understand  it,  that  I  cannot  do. 

Percival. 
Ay,  Queen,  so  is  it !     If  on  this  rude  earth. 
One  of  God's  angels  visibly  appeared, 
Reaping  for  love  a  harvest  of  fell  hate, 
For  benedictions  curses,  'tis  Griselda, 
Ay,  my  Griselda,  and  the  collier's  child  ! 
My  reckless  word  I  have  redeemed,  Ginevra; 
It  is  enough  !     Let  wicked  mummery 
No  more  profane  the  heaven  of  her  breast ; 
Grief  shall  no  longer  gnaw  upon  her  heart, 
Her  worth  has  been  made  known,  let  us  revere  it. 

Lancelot. 
So  be  it.  Queen !     Away  with  pique  and  rancor. 
With  claims  contending,  enmity  and  strife. 
Let  words  atone  for  what  mere  words  have  done. 

Ginevra. 
Sir  Lancelot,  when  counsel  we  desire. 
Doubt  not  we  shall  a  consultation  call ! 


96  Grisdda :  [ACT  III. 

But  you,  however,  Percival,  astound  us. 
Is  this  the  man  who  in  his  haughty  pride 
The  collier's  child  exalted  over  us. 
Who  as  a  paragon  paraded  her, 
And  of  her  virtues  did  so  vaunt  himself? 
Two  garlands  ostentatious  crown  thy  brow. 
Dost  thou  shrink  back  in  terror  from  the  third  ? 
What  strange  delusion  blinds  your  senses,  say, 
That  thus  from  victory  you  turn  away  ? 

'Percival. 

What !     Of  her  tears  lies  there  not  weight  enough 

Upon  my  soul,  called  I  not  pain  enough 

Upon  her  sinless,  consecrated  head? 

It  is  enough  !     I  tell  you  in  plain  words  : 

I  know  what  I  resolved  and  what  I  did, 

Not  a  step  farther  will  I  in  this  course  ! 

GiNEVRA. 

This  was  my  stipulation  ;  you  assenting: 
Though  to  its  very  depths  her  soul  was  pierced, 
Giiselda  should  maintain  for  you  her  favor, 
The  glow  of  love  to  hatred  not  be  turned, 
Nor  heavenly  patience  into  bitterness; 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  97 

In  her  affront  cling  closer  to  your  side 
Than  when  you  first  embraced  her  as  your  bride. 
Was  not  this  my  condition  ?     You  who  heard  me, 
Spake  I  not  thus  ? 

Gawain. 
So  spakest  thou,  my  Queen  ! 

Oriana. 
I  heard  it  also ;  thus  it  was  agreed. 

GiNEVRA. 

We  doubt  not  that  Griselda's  lofty  soul 
Amid  its  sorrows  clung  in  love  to  you ; 
You  lack  not  will,  nor  I  in  faith  am  weak ; 
There's  but  a  trifle  wanting  :   'tis  the  proof. 
You  see  a  final  struggle  still  awaits  you ; 
But  to  attempt  it  I  will  not  constrain  you, 
For  if  repentance  seize  you,  or  if  pity 
Should  overthrow  the  pride  that  reigns  within, 
Sir  Percival,  you  can  do  penance  meet. 
And  make  atonement  kneeling  at  my  feet ! 

Percival. 
I  shall  kneel,  1 1 
S 


98  Griselda :  [ACT  III. 

Oriana. 
Sir  Percival,  declare  ; 
You  entered  on  this  contest  joyfully, 
What  apprehension  blanches  now  your  cheek  ? 
You  must  have  fancied,  Sir,  that  she  would  smile 
When  you  should  tear  her  child  from  out  her  arms, 
And  when  you  from  your  castle  thrust  her  out, 
She  would  depart  as  calm  and  satisfied 
As  if  she  merely  went  to  see  a  neighbor. 

Percival  (aside). 

Oh,  if  I  fancied  so,  my  only  crime 
Would  be  but  downright  imbecility  ; 
But  in  the  distance  I  foresaw  her  tears, 
And  counted  every  sigh  that  rent  her  heart. 

Oriana. 

And  on  reflection,  Sir,  what  do  they  prove, 
The  trials  that  Griselda  overcame  ? 
She  gave  her  child  that  else  were  torn  from  her, 
And  hence  she  went  but  to  avoid  constraint ; 
'J'he  one  true  test,  I  think,  is  yet  to  come, 
(iriselda's  worth  will  only  be  obscured 
If  you  forestall  and  paralyze  compassion  ; 
It  lies  too  near  to  be  by  flight  evaded. 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  99 

Percival. 

Ruinous  net  which  I  myself  have  spun  ! 
I  must  fulfil  that  which  I  have  begun. 

GiNEVRA. 

Choose,  Percival,  and  so  redeem  your  word  ! 

Either  to  kneel,  as  vanquished,  at  my  feet, 

Or  go  at  once  to  seek  Griselda  out. 

A  banished  fugitive,  crave  her  protection  ; 

And  if  she  grants  it,  if  the  wife  disowned 

Defies  for  you  the  power  that  threatens  her, 

Will  venture  head  and  life,  and  all  for  you, 

Then  be  the  victor,  and  the  sooty  maid 

Sees  England's  Queen  low  kneeling  at  her  feet. 

Tristan. 

Nay,  gracious  Queen,  the  bow-string  do  not  stretch 
Unto  the  very  limits  of  its  strength  ! 
And  thou,  thou  yet  dost  linger,  Percival ! 
Dost  not  turn  shuddering  back  ?     Oh,  ask  thine  heart  1 
Within  thine  hands  thou  boldest  weal  and  woe  ! 
Thou  boldest  pride  or  love,  hold'st  life  or  death  ! 
And  thou  canst  linger  ?     Hast  a  right  to  choose  ? 
Kneel,  Percival,  'tis  for  Griselda,  kneel ! 


lOO  Grisclda :  [ACT  III. 

Lancelot  {to  Ginevra). 

Prolong  not  thus  th'  endurance  of  her  pain, 
Ginevra  !     Let  Griselda's  sufferings  move  thee. 

Ginevra. 

Griselda's  fate  is  lying  in  his  hands  ; 

He  can  to  conflict,  can  to  peace  direct  it ! 

Decide,  Sir  Percival. 

Oriana. 

Why  hesitate  ? 
Obey  the  impulse  of  your  better  nature  ! 
Down  on  your  knees,  ask  pardon,  do  not  fear 
Perchance  those  tender  knees  to  wound  in  bending ; 
Thou  upon  down  shalt  kneel,  on  eider-down  ! 
'Tis  easier  than  you  think,  to  make  atonement  ! 
No  eye  will  see  it !     We  will  silence  keep, 
To  the  best  friend  hardly  confiding  it. 
That  Percival  has  knelt  before  Ginevra. 

Percival  {looks  gloomily  before  Mm  ;  after  a  pause :) 
I  have  done  outrage  to  the  noblest  heart. 
Have  revelled  in  her  death-like  agony ; 
And,  recognizing  now  my  dreadful  guilt. 
How  gladly  would  I  now  her  head  defend 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  lOl 

From  what  my  duty  calls  on  me  to  end ! 
But  now  it  is  too  late  !     I'll  fill  my  measure  ! 
I  am  prepared  a  contest  new  to  make, 
And  it  to-day,  this  moment  undertake. 

GlXEVRA. 

Proceed,  then  !     Nor  will  we  remain  behind. 
Attend  us,  gentlemen;  and  soon  we'll  see 
Whose  scale  will  fall,  whose  the  ascendant  be. 

[Away  with  Oriana,  Percival,  Lancelot,  Ga- 
WAIN,  and  their  roving  foUozuers. 

Tristan. 

Fly  hence,  unhappy  one  !     The  hardest  lot 
That  love  may  fall  on  has  befallen  thee  ! 
By  the  same  lip  thou'rt  deified  and  scorned, 
By  the  same  hand  thou  art  caressed  and  stabbed ! 


FOURTH   ACT. 

Forest  among  the  mountams — A  cascade,  near  which, 
surrounded  by  trees,  stands  the  collier 's  hut. 

Scene  I. — Old  Cedric  appears,  led  by  a  Boy. 

Cedric. 

Can  I  believe  thee,  boy  ?     Heardst  thou  it  rightly  ? 
Her  child  she  has  delivered  to  the  King  ? 

Boy. 
So  said  I. 

Cedric. 

And  her  sacred  marriage  tie 
Is  by  the  King's  command  made  null  and  void  .'' 

Boy. 

It  is,  blind  Cedric,  yes  ! 

Cedric. 

And  she  disowned 
In  open  hall,  in  presence  of  the  kniglits.' 
(102) 


SCENE  I.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  103 

Boy. 

Just  as  T  told  it  thee,  so  was  the  thing ; 
And  all  who  hear  it  Percival  condemn, 
And  the  King  with  them. 

Cedric. 

Words  !     Mere  empty  sounds  ! 
The  Count  of  Wales  paraded  pompously, 
His  haughty  head  far  reaching  to  the  clouds, 
And  words,  and  words !     Until  the  breath  of  curses 
Reaches  such  heights  as  those,  soft  flattery 
Will  into  fragrance  change  its  pois'nous  breath. 
And  out  of  imprecations  balsam  charm  ! 
A  collier's  daughter  and  the  Count  of  Wales! 
Master  and  servant !     Yet  they  both  were  made 
Of  the  same  dust,  both  Count  and  collier,  children 
Of  the  one  God  who  dwells  in  heaven  above  ! 
What  heardest  thou  beside  ? 

Boy. 

Where'er  I  went 
I  heard  the  mournful  voice  of  lamentation  ; 
The  poor  were  weeping;  for  their  kind  physician, 
Yearning  I  heard  the  sick  and  feeble  cry. 


104  Grisclda :  [ACT  IV. 

From  every  tongue  Griselda's  praises  rang, 

With  testimonials  that  she  undeserved 

Was  reaping  sorrow  where  she  blessings  sowed  ! 

Cedric. 

We  mortals  judge  by  merest  empty  show  ; 
But  God's  eye  plunges  to  our  very  depths ! 
Gentle  may  be  the  hand,  and  gifts  dispense, 
May  clothe  the  naked,  and  may  nurse  the  sick ; 
But  when  within  a  heart  pride  makes  its  nest. 
When  haughtiness  with  piety  parades, 
Not  undeserved  is  heaven's  thunderbolt. 

Boy. 

What !     Speakest  thus  of  thine  own  flesh  and  blood  ? 

Cedric. 

I  cut  my  hand  off  if  it  angers  me, 

And  if  my  blood  runs  madly  through  my  veins, 

A  vein  I  open  till  it  flows  aright. 

O  there  is  evil,  black-fermented  blood  ! 

Enough  !     Thou  art  too  young  for  things  like  these  ! 

Come,  boy,  conduct  me  to  the  mossy  seat 

Beneath  the  oak-tree  yonder! 


SCENE  I.J  A  Dramatic  Poem.  1 05 

Boy. 

Here,  blind  Cedric  ! 
Here  sit  and  take  your  rest ! 

Cedric  {sinking  down  iipoji  the  moss). 

O,  flight  of  time  ! 
Sighing,  my  memory  follows  after  her  ! 
Here  sat  she  often  in  the  twilight  dim, 
Close  by  my  side,  or  coaxingly  she  crept 
Into  my  arms,  and  chatted  with  me  there. 
And  sang — thou  know'st  the  song — come,  sing  it,  boy  ! 
How  did  it  run  }     A  knisfht  there  was — No,  thus, — 


The  gallant  knight  was  riding  bj', 
A  little  rose  he  chanced  to  see  ; 

And  as  its  beaut\-  caught  his  eye, 
He  wished  his  own  the  rose  to  be. 


So  ran  it !     Sing  to  me  that  song  !     Nay,  sing  not ! 
Sing  it  not,  boy  !     It  is  a  hateful  song  ! 
A  song  that  sickens  me !     I  will  not  hear 
How  the  knight  stole  my  rose  away  from  me. 

Boy. 

Come  to  vour  house  now,  Cedric,  you  need  rest ! 


io6  Grisclda:  [ACT  IV. 

Cedric. 
I  would  have  borne  it  bravely  had  she  died ; 
I  should  have  been  alone,  but  not  forsaken, 
Truly  unloved,  yet  by  my  child  denied  not ; 
And  bore  I  all  the  sorrows  in  the  world 
Upon  these  shoulders,  one  I  should  not  bear; 
My  child  would  have  relieved  me  of  the  worst, 
But  with  her  base  ingratitude  I'm  cursed  ! 
Who  comes  there  ?     Hark  ! 

Boy. 
The  wind  but  stirs  the  leaves. 

Cedric. 
Nay,  footsteps  are  they,  footsteps  !     They  come  nearer ! 
'Twere  an  ill  moment  for  her,  came  she  now  ! 

Boy. 

Just  at  the  forest  edge  a  woman  passed. 


Scene  II. — Griselda  appears  in  the  background. 

Cedric. 
Dost  know  her,  boy.-*     Speak,  do  not  hesitate  ! 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  107 

Boy. 
Here  is  she,  speak  to  her  ! 

Cedric. 

Who  art  thou  ?     Speak  ! 

Griselda  {sinking  at  his  feet.) 
Thy  child,  my  father,  thy  forsaken  child  ! 

Cedric. 
My  child  ?     Have  I  a  child  ?     Ay,  tell  me  boy  : 
Have  I  a  child  ?     My  heart  knows  naught  of  children, 
And  by  my  memory  I  am  written  childless  ! 

Boy. 

Pass  thy  hand  o'er  her  features,  know  her,  Cedric  ! 
It  is  thy  child !     Griselda  speaks  to  thee! 

Cedric  {touching  Griselda's  garment.) 
You  are  Griselda,  wife  of  Percival  ? 
Ah,  fairest  lady,  let  me  kiss  your  hand  ! 
You  wear  a  woolen  dress,  and  wear  an  apron, 
Not  gauzy  textures,  neither  silken  garments ! 
Beseems  so  little  pomp  your  dignity  ? 


I08  Griselda :  [ACT  IV. 

Where  have  you  left  your  ladies  and  your  knights  ? 
Where  are  your  servants  ?     Ho  I     Bring  matting  here, 
Lest  morning-dews  my  lady's  feet  should  wet. 

Griselda. 
Forsaken,  banished,  lie  I  at  thy  feet, 
Thrust  from  my  husband's  bed  and  from  his  house, 
Robbed  of  the  cliild,  the  offspring  of  our  love  ! 
Pour  not  contempt  and  scorn  into  my  wounds, 
Master  and  father,  thou  dost  rend  my  heart ! 

Cedric 
Yes,  charming  words  come  flowing  from  thy  mouth  ; 
Upon  an  anvil  forged  was  thy  heart. 
And  seven  times  hardened  was  it  into  steel : 
Thy  false,  deceitful,  and  ungrateful  heart. 

Griselda. 

Now  by  His  name  who  sits  above  the  clouds, 
Thou  dost  accuse  me  of  a  crime  I  know  not  ! 
Perfidious  and  ungrateful  am  I  not. 

Cedric. 
Thou  knowest  not  thy  crime,  and  shakest  off 
Reproof  as  lightly  as  thou  wouldst  a  rain-drop  ! 
Now,  then,  come  give  a  reckoning  of  thy  love, 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poan.  109 

Thy  truth  and  thy  devotion  unto  me. 

What  didst  thou,  say,  thou  child  affectionate, 

When  Percival  from  out  his  castle  drove  me, 

Because  when  I  the  innocent  defended, 

My  interference  roused  his  pride  and  rage. 

For  thy  blind  father,  say,  what  didst  thou  then.' 

Griselda. 
I  wept,  my  father  ! 

Cedric. 

Are  thy  tears,  then,  pearls 
That  thou  shouldst  rate  them  higher  than  the  word. 
The  frank  and  earnest  word  with  which  the  daughter. 
With  which  the  house-wife  should  oppose  her  husband. 
When  she  her  injured  father  should  defend? 

Griselda. 

Let  not  thy  child  her  husband's  faults  atone  ; 
He  was  the  master,  him  I  must  obe}'. 

Cedric. 

Obedience,  yes  !     But  silence,  silence  not ! 
Not  as  a  husband  dost  thou  honor  him, 
Xot  as  thy  lord,  and  father  of  thy  child  ; 


no  Grisc/da :  [ACT  IV. 

But  thou  idolater  to  him  hast  been  : 

With  halos  and  with  clouds  of  light  surrounded, 

Saw'st  thou  a  mortal  man,  a  child  of  dust. 

O  simpleton,  to  fling  thyself  so  low 

For  rank  and  power  to  trample  under  feet ; 

O  slavish  meekness,  that  thy  flesh  and  blood 

Could  so  disown  ;   receive  thy  v/ages  now. 

His  wife  thou  wast  not,  thou  wert  but  his  wench, 

And  therefore  he  disowned  thee  like  a  maid. 

Griselda. 
Angel  of  God,  look  down  on  me  from  heaven, 
And  see,  and  see  th'  injustice  I  endure! 
Was  't  not  enough  of  every  joy  to  rob  me  ?  • 

Why  on  my  guiltless  head  must  curses  fall .'' 

Cedric. 
Thou  askest  wherefore  ?     Listen,  I  will  tell  thee. 
Three  days  she  lay,  thy  mother  and  my  wife, 
Three  days  lay  prostrate,  and  she  could  not  die. 
For  yearnings  for  the  child  so  fondly  loved. 
Fastened  with  chains  her  spirit  unto  life. 
Her  latest  breath  called  blessings  on  thy  head; 
Yet  cam'st  thou  not  the  blessing  to  receive, 
So  Satan,  lurking  near,  it  wouki  not  leave 


SCENE  II.J  A  Dramatic  Poem.  1 1 1 

Upon  her  dying  lips,  but  stole  it  thence, 
And  in  his  hand  he  did  it  so  condense. 
That  upon  thee  a  thunderbolt  he  hurled  it, 
Curse  of  ingratitude,  and  curse  of  pride. 

Griselda. 

I  call  the  eternal  God  to  be  my  witness,    ' 

That  base  ingratitude  was  never  mine  ; 

Well  knows  He  what  I  suffered,  when  my  mother 

Lay  on  her  death-bed,  Percival  on  his  ; 

When  in  my  husband's  death-pangs  I  was  needed. 

My  mother  in  her  death-pangs  for  me  pleaded. 

But  yet  my  marriage-vow  was  unto  him  ; 

I  must  fulfil  the  vow  I  made  to  him  ; 

Till  I  had  saved  the  father  for  the  child, 

I  durst  not  venture  to  my  mother's  bed. 

Cedric. 
Thou  speakest  of  my  grandson,  of  thy  child  ; 
Say,  didst  thou  guard  it  as  a  mother  should  ? 
As  guarded  thee  thy  mother.?     Hast  thou  loved  him.' 
With  thy  life's  blood  hast  thou  defended  him  1 
Thou  hast  betrayed  thy  child,  ay,  thou  hast  sold  him, 
To  the  King's  hangman  hast  delivered  him  ! 
The  savage  beast  gives  battle  for  his  young. 


112  Griselda:  [ACT  IV. 

And  even  while  the  fox  a  hen  is  strangling, 

She  drives  away  her  brood  !     But  thou,  but  thou  ! 

Thou  wast  not  of  a  single  hair  despoiled  ; 

Of  thy  gay  garment  not  a  fold  was  wrinkled  ; 

Thou  gav'st  him  painless  up,  ay,  gave  him  smiling ! 

Griselda. 

Love  gave  him  me,  and  love  returned  him. 
The  husband's  life,  the  father's  was  in  question, 
How  could  I  hesitate  and  how  resist  ? 

Cedric. 
Enough  of  words  !     Enough  of  empty  clangor  ! 
For  Percival  and  for  his  titled  name. 
Forgot  was  filial  duty,  love  maternal, 
And  thy  blind  father's  insult  was  ignored. 
But  God  is  just;  and  by  His  will  elected, 
He  once  thine  idol,  now  becomes  thy  scourge, 
Hanging  thy  future  fate  on  my  compassion, 
Whom  in  prosperity  thou  didst  forget. 

Griselda. 
My  father,  hear  me  ! 

Cedric. 

Nay,  I  will  not  hear  ! 
Come,  boy,  come  hither,  guide  me  to  my  hut. 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  113 

And  mark  my  word  !     The  shelter  of  my  house 

Denied  I  never  to  the  fugitive  : 

To  thee  I  give  it  also  !     There's  the  threshold ; 

The  door  is  open,  but  my  arms  are  not  ! 

I'll  give  thee  shelter,  feed  thee,  keep  from  harm  ; 

But  thou  shalt  not  support  me  with  thine  arm, 

No  more  shall  read  my  soul  thine  eye  defiled ; 

Thou  art  my  guest,  and  thou  hast  been  my  child  ! 

Griselda. 
My  father,  hear  me  ! 

Cedric. 

Nay,  I'll  nothing  hear  ! 
The  deed  has  spoken,  words  can  not  delude  me  ! 

\^He  goes  off,  led  by  the  boy. 

Griselda. 

So  hear  you  me,  then,  you,  the  clouds  of  heaven. 
And  thou  all-seeing  golden  sunbeam,  hear. 
Thou  eye  of  God  look  down,  look  down  on  me  ! 
Thou  milder  Father  in  that  light  enthroned. 
Thou  know'st  my  heart,  and  thou  hast  proved  my  soul ! 
The  grief  that  rent  my  breast  was  seen  by  Thee, 
When  nigh  to  death  I  knew  my  mother  lay. 
And  him  before  mine  eyes  I  dying  saw. 


1 14  G  rise  hi  a  :  [ACT  IV. 

Not  sinful  pride  infected  my  weak  heart, 
Nor  was  my  mind  by  outward  show  perverted  ; 
Lord,  if  for  guilt  I  suffer,  make  it  known, 
What  men  transgression  call,  was  love  alone, 
And  crime  it  was  not,  never,  never  crime  ! 

\After  a  pause,  tenth  quiet  composure  : 
The  joyful  spring-time  of  my  life  departed. 
And  sank  the  bright  sun  of  my  happiness  ; 
The  darkness  of  the  night  would  now  enfold  me, 
And  still  the  star  of  love  has  not  yet  set ; 
They  unclasped  hands,  but  tore  not  heart  from  heart. 
The  tears  that  now  are  glowing  on  my  cheek 
Hold  kinship  with  the  tears  that  glow  on  his. 
The  sighs  that  breathe  from  out  this  aching  breast 
Meet  his  in  the  vast  ocean  of  the  air  ! 
Up  !     Arm  thyself  with  courage,  humbled  soul ! 
Yield  not  thyself  to  dark  and  painful  dreams  ; 
Thou  art  not  wretched,  for  thou  art  beloved  ! 
Chained  in  thy  bosom's  depths,  compose  thy  grief, 
And  if  it,  swelling,  would  o'erleap  its  bounds. 
And  urge  thy  lips  to  utter  its  sad  sounds, 
Remember,  thou'rt  beloved,  mayst  dare  to  love, 
And  upwards,  upwards  ever  raise  thine  eye ! 

\^She  sinks  exhausted  upon  the  mossy  scat  j  after  a 

short  pause,  Percival  and  Gawain  appear 

i?i  the  background. 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  115 

Scene  III. — Griselda,  Percival,  Gawain. 

Percival. 
Alas,  that  to  this  strife  my  word  constrains  me. 
That  in  the  selfish  longing  of  my  soul 
To  revel  in  the  fulness  of  her  love, 
I  sacrificed  her  peace  and  with  it  mine ! 
But  for  this  wild  delusion  of  my  brain 
I  would  say :  No,  and  dare  all  England's  scorn! 
We  near  the  end.     Does  the  Queen  follow  us .'' 

Gawain. 
She  vvaits  our  signal  in  the  thicket  yonder, 
And  there  amid  the  foliage  rests  Griselda  ! 

Percival. 
'Tis  she  !     Away,  among  the  bushes  hide  you  ; 
I'll  keep  ray  word  and  thou  shalt  witness  it. 

[Gav/ain  goes. 

Griselda  {deep  in  ihoiig/it,  speaks  half  aloud.) 
Thus  spake  the  knight  unto  the  rose. 

Why  wither  in  this  forest's  night? 
ISIy  hat  thy  beauty  should  adorn 
With  all  its  blushes  bright, 
Not  on  thy  hat  will  I  be  worn, 
But  worn  upon  thy  heart. 

\^S/ie  sees  Percival, 
Ah,  Percival ! 


Ii6  Grisdda:  [act  IV. 

Percival. 
'Tis  I !     Dost  fly  from  me? 

/ 

Griselda. 

'Tis  thou  !  ah,  yes,  'tis  thou  !     Thou  standest  living, 
In  blooming,  bright  reality  before  me ; 
No  phantom  pale  of  memory,  dost  thou 
Emerge  from  out  the  fantasies  of  dreams. 
'Tis  really  thou,  and  from  thy  lips  proceeds 
The  sound  of  words,  thy  heart  pulsates  with  life, 
Deep  glows  thine  eye,  and  ruddy  is  thy  cheek, 
Within  these  arms  I  can  encircle  thee. 
Thy  form  beloved  will  not  in  air  dissolve. 

Percival. 

Griselda ! 

Griselda. 

Percival !     Now  all  is  well 
Yes,  all  is  well  again  !     Within  the  depths 
Of  the  wide  ocean  of  forgetfulness 
My  sorrows  die  away  with  all  their  waves ; 
My  lord  and  master,  mine,  once  more,  thou  art, 
Mine  art  thou,  mine,  and  mine  alone  thou  art. 
Within  thy  loving  arms  warm  glows  my  heart ! 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  Ii/ 

Percival. 
O  were  I  still  thy  husband  and  thy  lord  ! 

Griselda. 
What  say'st  thou  ?     What  ?     O  frenzy  of  my  soul, 
That  mingles  empty  dreamings  with  the  real  ! 
Bewildered  senses,  learn  to  find  your  way, 
And  separate  what  has  been  from  what  is. 

Percival  {aside.) 
Defy  her  tears,  and  steel  thyself,  my  heart ! 

Griselda. 
My  honored  lord,  I  know  thou  hast  forgiven 
The  tumult  blind  that  conquered  and  misled  me ; 
My  fate  stands  clearly  now  before  my  eyes, 
And  well  thy  kindness  do  I  recognize  ! 
Thou  camest  hither  as  my  comforter. 
With  words  compassionate,  with  gentle  words, 
To  drop  as  oil  and  balsam  on  my  wounds. 
Recpive  my  thanks  for  them  ! 

Percival. 

Hear  me,  Griselda ; 
Not  gentle  pity  guided  me  to  thee ; 


Il8  Grisdda:  [ACT  IV. 

The  day  of  retribution  dire  has  come ; 

I  share  the  fate  that  drove  thee  from  thy  home. 

I  am  accused  of  treason  by  the  King ; 

I  am  proscribed,  my  feudal  rights  withdrawn  ; 

Pursued,  the  outlaw's  brand  upon  my  brow, 

I  wander  forth,  the  spy  upon  my  track ; 

My  head  just  ready  for  his  murderous  grasp. 

Grisei.da. 
A  banished  and  imperilled  fugitive  ! 
Thy  precious  life  in  danger  and  I  live  ? 
And  thou  dost  tarry  here,  dost  dare  to  linger. 
When  life  and  freedom  every  moment  threatens? 

Fly!  Fly! 

Percival. 

In  vain  !     All  points  are  closely  guarded, 
Escape  there  is  none,  every  hope  is  lost. 

Griselda. 
Oh,  then,  give  light  to  me,  thou  Fount  of  grace ; 
Him  must  I  save,  help  me.  Almighty  God ! 

Percival. 
Thou  wilt  save  him  who  took  away  thy  boy, 
To  give  the  King,  who  roughly  thee  disowned, 
And  snatched  away  all  that  thy  life  adorned .'' 


SCENE  III.J         A  Dramatic  Poem.  119 

Griselda. 
Was  it  thy  will  to  agonize  my  heart  ? 
Is  this  the  time  to  ponder  on  my  fate 
When  trembles  tJiine  upon  destruction's  edge? 
Come,  even  if  an  army  should  oppose  me, 
I  thee  must  rescue,  and,  by  heaven,  I  will! 

Percival. 

Cease,  cease  !     Thy  ruin  is  involved  in  mine, 
The  only  purchase  of  my  life  is  thine. 

Griselda. 

O  that  thy  words  were  true ;  that  I  might  give 

My  life  for  thine,  might  for  thy  safety  die  ! 

The  tie  that  made  us  one  is  rent  in  twain, 

Yet  still  this  heart  is  thine !     No  more  on  thine 

Can  it  contented  rest,  in  ecstacy 

No  more  upon  thy  breast  o'erflow  with  joy ; 

Nor  open  up  to  thee  its  hidden  depths; 

But  break  for  thee,  yes,  break  for  thee  it  can ! 

Percival. 

Nay,  cease  !     I'll  to  the  fate  that  beckons  me ! 
There,  in  the  thicket,  is  the  gleam  of  anus. 


I20  G  rise  Ida :  [ACT  IV. 

Griselda  {hastily.) 

'Tis  they;  away  with  you  !  O  fly  !     Have  mercy 
Upon  my  death-like  anguish  !     Fly  and  hide  ! 
Thou  know'st  the  cavern  deep  within  the  wood, 
Whose  entrance,  by  the  ivy,  is  concealed. 
It  was  my  childhood's  play-ground,  and  to  thee, 
My  dearest  husband,  I  confide  its  secret ; 
Within  its  deep  recesses  hide  thyself, 
Or  thou  wilt  see  me  lifeless  at  thy  feet  ! 
Fly  to  it,  Percival !     There's  safety  there  ! 

Percival  {pressing  Gkis^'lti A  passionately  to  his  heart.) 
Griselda !  Angel !  Saviour  ! 

Griselda. 

Fly  !  oh  fly  ! 

[Percival  hastens  aioay  ;  Griselda  luatches  him  till 
he  disappears  in  the  thicket,  then  sinks  dnun  upon 
her  knees.,  raises  her  hands  to  heaven,  and  says  : 
Save  him,  my  God,  let  me  the  victim  be  ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  121 

Scene  IV. — Ginevra  appears  in  the  ba^ckground  with 
OsiANA,  Lancelot,  Gawain,  and  their  atteftdants- 
Griselda  springs  up. 

Ginevra. 
This  was  the  path  he  took ;  his  traces  follow  ! 
Search  through  the  brushwood  !  Range  along  the  brook  ! 
Sir  Gawain,  make  in  yonder  hovel  inquest ! 
Hasten  !     He  must  be  found  ! 

[Gawain  a?td  arffied  tnen  go. 

Ginevra  {stepping  up  to  Griselda.) 
Ha  !  Answer  thou  ! 
To  thee  he  came '     We  bid  thee  tell  us  truly 
Whither  he  fled  and  where  conceals  himself.-' 

Griselda. 
Whom  seek'st  thou.  Queen  } 

Ginevra. 

Nay,  thou  canst  deceive  me 
With  no  pretence  of  feigned  simplicity. 
I  know  thee,  who  thou  art,  as  thou  knuw'st  me  ; 
Thou  art  Griselda,  wife  of  Percival ! 
For  him,  the  flying  traitor,  we  make  search  ; 
To  us  do  thou  his  hiding-place  reveal. 


122  Grisclda :  [ACT  IV. 

Griselda. 
I,  Queen,  reveal  it  ? 

GiNEVRA. 

Here,  to  thee,  he  came ; 
Thou  knowest  where  he  fled. 

Griselda. 

And  if  I  know, 
I  am  Griselda,  wife  of  Percival ! 

GiNEVRA. 

Thou,  traitoress,  dost  hide  his  guilty  head  ; 
Deny  it  not ;  I  know  it  and  have  seen  it ! 

Griselda. 
God  saw  it  too,  and  of  the  fugitive 
His  clouds  conceal  the  trace  !     His  guardian  angel 
And  friendly  night,  protect  him  from  his  foes. 

GiNEVRA. 

Bid  not  defiance  to  the  higher  powers  ! 

Presume  not  thou  to  conflict  wage  with  Kings  ! 

We,  as  a  net-work,  have  arranged  our  forces, 

Nor  for  his  safety  silence  shall  avail, 

But  to  thine  own  destruction  it  shall  lead. 

For  if  to  us  thou  wilt  not  him  betray, 

Ere  moments  fly  thy  life  shall  ransom  pay  ! 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  123 

Griselda. 
Here  it  is  ;  take  it ! 

GiNEVRA. 

By  the  heavens  above, 
Is  this  the  woman,  who  without  resistance, 
Obeying,  like  the  maid,  her  master's  nod, 
Gave  up  her  child,  gave  up  and  left  her  home  ? 

Lancelot. 
In  vain  are  thy  endeavors !     Cease,  Ginevra, 
The  heart  that  loves  knows  not  the  fear  of  death. 

GiNEVRA. 

A  lofty  spirit  in  this  woman  dwells, 

The  hopes  and  dreams  I  cherished,  she  dispels. 

{To  Oriana.) 
Speak  thou  to  her  !     To  shake  her  purpose  try  ! 

Oriana. 

Griselda,  hear  me  !     Did  not  Percival 

Thy  child  deliver  over  to  the  King, 

And  to  ally  himself  to  nobler  birth 

Not  thrust  thee  helpless,  poor,  and  naked  out  ? 


124  Grisclda:  [act  IV. 

And  from  the  very  summit  of  the  bliss 
To  which  he  bore  thee  up  in  dizzy  flight, 
To  sudden  ruin  headlong  cast  thee  down  ? 
Did  he  not  so  ? 

Griselda. 

So  did  he,  as  thou  say'st ! 

Oriana. 

And  thou  for  love  such  sacrifice  canst  make, 
Canst  crush  the  dread  of  dying,  for  its  sake ; 
But  was  it  real  then  ?     Loved  thee  Percival  ? 
Into  thy  power  his  fate  has  bid  him  fall, 
Wilt  thou  his  life  who  took  from  thine  its  all  ? 

Griselda. 

0  not  in  strict  proportions  measure  love  ! 
AVhy,  what  is  love,  then,  if  it  nothing  gave 
More  than  itself  received,  if  it  endured 
No  more  than  it  required,  if  it  not. 

Like  a  strong  rock,  resisted  angry  winds  ; 

If,  as  Hope's  final  refuge,  in  misfortune 

It  kept  not  true  and  steadfast,  what  were  love  ? 

1  revelled  in  the  light  of  his  renown, 

Shall  I  forsake  him  when  his  fortunes  frown  ? 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Drauiatic  Poem.  125 

Lanxelot. 

Her  soul  is  like  the  heaven's  transparent  blue, 
And  blessed  in  its  dazzling,  glorious  hue, 
Like  lightly-floating  angels,  dwell  her  thoughts. 

GiNEVRA. 

Bring  hither  chains  and  fetters  ;  bind  her  fast ! 
Repeat  thy  prayer,  thy  life  is  at  its  last. 

Griselda. 
Here  am  I,  Father !     Take  this  stricken  life 
Home  to  Thyself,  and  let  my  soul  return 
Back  to  the  source  from  which  at  first  it  sprang, 
Rising  from  out  the  mouldering  dust  of  death  ; 
And  if  it  bear  the  mark  of  earthly  stain, 
Its  humble  aspirations,  Lord,  Thou- know'st ; 
Receive  it  as  a  Father  true  and  kind  ; 
I  have  loved  much,  and  much  Thou  wilt  forgive. 

Lancelot. 
Vain  the  attempt  with  fraud  her  to  ensnare, 
For  love  keeps  watch  and  bids  her  heart  beware. 

GlXEVRA. 

There  lies  a  magic  s'.veetness  in  her  words. 


126  Grisclda:  [ACT  IV. 

That  trembles  through  and  overwhelms  my  soul. 

[To  Oriana.) 
He  conquers !     Never  will  I  break  this  heart. 


Scene    V. — Gawain   returns   with   his   attendants,    who 
bring  Cedric  with  them. 

Gawain. 
We  have  fulfilled  thy  bidding,  gracious  Queen  : 
This  blind  man  was  the  hovel's  only  inmate, 
And  thou  canst  question  him  thyself,  my  lady. 

Griselda. 
My  father !     Oh,  my  God,  it  is  my  father  ! 

Ginevra. 

Her  father  !     Ah,  then,  all  is  not  yet  lost ! 

{To  Griselda.) 
Look  hither,  and  the  truth  no  more  deny ! 
He  shares  thy  fate  !     Wilt  thou  behold  him  die } 

Griselda  {kneeling). 
Oh,  Queen  !     Have  mercy  on  his  hoary  hair. 
His  short  and  fleeting  years  remaining  spare, 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  127 

Until  God's  angel  touch  his  blinded  eyes, 
And  unto  light  eternal  bids  him  rise. 

Lancelot. 
No  longer  torture  her  I     Desist,  Ginevra  ! 

Griselda  (z;z  an  agony  of  excitement^ 
O  let  compassion's  gentle  grace  decide  ! 
Threaten  no  more  this  fading  life  and  dim, 
Lead  me,  lead  me  to  death,  but  pardon  him  ! 

Ginevra. 
Speak  and  he  lives  !     Thy  silence  only  slays  him  ! 

Griselda  {after  severe  mental  conflict.^ 
Protect  him  then,  ye  angels  !     Speak  I  may  not ! 

\^She  sinks  fainting  to  the  ground. 


She  faints ! 


Gawain. 

Lancelot. 

O  hold  her  up ! 

Cedric. 

What  has  befallen  ? 
Bewildering  sounds  unto  mine  ears  are  borne ! 
O  that  the  veil  from  off  mine  eyes  \\  ere  torn  ! 


128  Grisclda:  [act  IV. 

GiNEVRA. 

Bear  her  away  !     We're  conquered,  Oriana  ! 
Though  I  with  bhishes  own  it,  yet  I  ween 
Of  England's  wives  I've  the  most  loyal  seen. 
Bear  her  away  !     And  with  her,  yon  old  man, 
To  Pendennys  !     Oh,  how  I  glow  with  shame  ! 
Before  the  collier's  daughter  I  must  kneel ; 
Conceal  me,  darkness  ;  hide,  eternal  night ! 

Cedric  {as  he  is  led  off). 
O  when  will  clemency  abide  with  might  ? 


FIFTH     ACT. 

Scene  I. — Castle  Pendennys — Ronald  and  other  serv- 
ants are  engaged  in  covering  the  estrade  with  carpets 
and  adorning  the  hall  with  garla?:ds,  etc. 

Ronald. 
Quick  to  the  work,  my  comrades,  dally  not ! 
Display  the  splendor  of  this  carpet's  hues 
Before  the  royal  throne. 

One  of  the  Servants. 
The  royal  throne  ? 

Ronald. 
What  is  there  so  amazing }     And  why  stretch 
The  yawning  chasm  of  thy  throat  so  wide  .-* 
Didst  thou  not  see  the  King,  when  mounted  high, 
He  rode  within  th'  enclosure  of  these  walls  } 

Servant. 
The  huntsman  in  a  common  doublet  green. 

That  was  the  King  } 

(129) 


1 30  Grisclda :  [ACT  V. 

Ronald. 

Tliou  fool  !     Do  kings  wear  crowns 
Upon  their  heads  when  they  go  forth  to  hunt  ? 
Here  lay  a  carpet  also  for  the  Queen  ! 

Another  Servant. 
Mean  you  the  beauteous  dame  in  scarlet  robes, 
Who  rode  upon  the  white  and  ambling  steed  ? 

Ronald. 
How  dares  the  fellow  prate  of  ambling  steeds, 
Of  beauteous  ladies  and  of  scarlet  robes  ? 
Art  thou  the  man  to  dare  to  raise  thine  eyes 
To  look  upon  a  Queen  when  thee  she  passes  } 
More  garlands  there,  more  garlands  there,  I  say 
O'er  yonder  wall !     Like  the  green  woods  in  May 
Adorn  this  hall,  and  with  a  fragrance  sweet 
And  bridal  splendor  do  thou  make  it  full. 

A  Third  Servant. 
Can  it  be,  Ronald  ?     Thinks  our  lord  so  soon 
Of  taking  him  a  wife  } 

Ronald. 

Thou  blinded  fool ! 
Didst  thou  not  see  our  lady  back  return  } 


SCENE  I.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  13 1 

Will  not  her  living  breath  flow  gently  yet 
Within  the  splendid  halls  of  Pendennys  ? 
Is  not  Griselda  still  the  mistress  here  ? 

Servant. 
Ay,  back  returned  she,  but  it  was  in  chains 
That  by  her  father's  side  she  hither  came. 

Ronald. 
You  stupid  fellows !     Can  you  then  conceive 
Only  of  things  that  you  can  touch  and  feel, 
Distinguish  not  the  semblance  from  the  real, 
Man  from  his  dress,  the  kernel  from  the  shell.'* 
More  wreaths,  I  tell  you,  upon  yonder  wall ! 
Spare  not  the  ornament  of  foliage  green ! 
O  if  my  tongue  no  solemn  promise  bound, 
You  would  break  forth  in  shouts,  and  heaven's  high  arch 
Would  with  your  jubilee  reverberate. 

One  of  the  Servants. 
What  know'st  thou  .''     Say ! 

Another. 

Ay,  Ronald,  tell  it  us  ! 


132  Grisclda:  [ACT  Y 

Ronald. 
I  out  of  school  tell  tales  ?     Not  I  indeed  ! 
]\Iore  wreaths,  I  tell  you  !     Make  the  table  ready, 
Off  to  the  kitchen,  down  into  the  cellar  ! 
Away  !     Away  with  you,  ye  laggard  men  ! 
A  day  like  this  will  ne'er  return  again  ! 


Scene  II.— Lancelot    and  Gawain  appear,   and  the 
servants  gradually  retire  to  the  background. 

Gawain. 
What,  you  would  leave  us  1     Would  withdraw  yourself 
From  the  Queen's  favor,  from  the  royal  court  ? 

Lancelot. 
Turned  from  its  purpose,  changed  is  all  my  heart, 
And  I  awake  as  from  a  troubled  dream. 
In  these  few  days  much  have  I  lived  to  see  ! 
The  chains  are  broken  that  have  fettered  me : 
The  greatest  charm,  I  feel  it,  is  not  beauty, 
Nor  sparkling  wit  the  soul's  best  attribute  ! 
Not  spots  upon  my  sun  can  I  endure, 
Nor  rust  upon  the  mirror  of  my  honor; 
Farewell,  then,  au  revoir  ! 


SCENE  II.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  133 

Gawaix. 

Sir  Lancelot, 
Griselda's  tortures  have  your  soul  beclouded  ; 
But  now  the  pressure  of  her  grief  is  o'er. 
Remain  and  see  her  festival,  her  triumph. 

Lancelot. 

Truly  these  walls  show  festival  array, 
And  blooming  garlands  every  pillar  grace ; 
'Twere  a  less  trifling  task  to  deck  a  soul, 
And  for  a  festal  scene  adorn  its  depths  ! 
Farewell,  Sir  Gawain,  I  am  forced  from  hence ! 

Gawain. 

Most  bitterly  the  Queen  will  you  regret. 

Lancelot. 

Perhaps ;  but  time  will  teach  her  to  forget. 

Impatient  in  the  court-yard  stamps  my  steed, 

Across  the  sea  to  France,  the  waves  shall  bear  me — 

Conceal  not  from  her,  Gawain,  why  I  part; 

And  if  within  her  breast  thus  meet  again 

The  evil  spirits,  haughtiness  and  pride, 

Of  Lancelot  remind  her  and  Griselda.  \Goes. 


134  Grisclda :  [ACT  V. 

Gawain. 
He  goes !     'Twere  well,  fcr  once,  mine  oath  attests, 
If  tears  should  come  as  uninvited  guests 
To  the  dark  glowing  eye  of  Dame  Ginevra. 


Scene  III. — Gawain,  Percival,  ami  Tristan. 

Percival. 

Now  from  deception's  burden  I  'm  relieved, 

Torn  is  the  net-work  that  my  heart  ensnared ; 

The  day  of  expiation  is  achieved, 

The  tested  one  for  triumph  is  prepared. 

To  paint  her  virtues  words  are  all  too  poor  ! 

Th'  offences  of  my  youth  I  here  abjure, 

Wide  as  the  boundless  heavens  my  love  shall  be, 

A  halo  shall  surround  her,  in  a  sea 

Of  pure  delight  her  life  shall  float  away. 

The  only  tears  that  henceforth  shed  she  may. 

Shall  fall  when  for  some  broken  rose  she's  grieved. 

If  she  has  known  the  depths  of  sore  distress, 

She  shall  forget  it  all  in  happiness  ! 


SCENE  III.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.        .  135 

Tristan. 
Well  will  it  be  for  you  should  this  be  so  : 
If  flight  of  days  bring  healing  on  its  wings, 
As  fans  bring  cooling  as  they  come  and  go. 
But  much  I  fear  me  that  these  depths  profound 
Will  leave  their  scar  as  they  have  felt  their  wound. 

Percival. 
Upon  love's  magic  power  let  me  depend, 
Let  her  heart  own  me  as  its  dearest  friend, 
And  undisturbed  and  calm  to  mine  adhere. 
Deep-rooted  is  the  pain,  high  rules  the  joy, 
^Vhen  to  her  bosom  she  shall  clasp  her  child, 
When  in  my  eager  arms  she  shall  be  pressed, 
Peace  will  once  more  find  home  within  her  breast. 
To  her  pale  cheek  the  roses  will  return. 
Will  not  her  praises  every  lip  prolong, 
To  be  re-echoed  in  the  minstrel's  song. 
And  sounded  forth  in  ages  yet  to  come .'' 
She  shall  become  a  holy  saint  to  me. 
My  life  to  hers  shall  consecrated  be ; 
And  as  the  moon  her  changing  light  renews. 
So  new  and  endless  joys  for  her  shall  live  ; 
She  loves  me,  Tristan,  and  she  will  forgive  ! 
■Sir  Gawain,  tell  me,  what  delays  the  Queen .-' 
She  gave  her  word,  when  will  it  she  redeem  ? 


136  Grisclda:  [act  V. 

Gawain. 
As  white  and  red  upon  her  cheek  contend, 
So  in  her  soul  there  for  dominion  strives 
Duty  with  shame,  with  weakness  firm  resolve. 
And  dizzy  by  these  fluctuations  made, 
She  strives  for  strength,  and  in  despair  she  clings 
To  a  stray  word  that  proves  to  be  a  straw, 
Till  in  the  whirlpool  of  her  thoughts  she  sinks. 

Percival. 
She  gave  her  word,  and  hesitates  to  keep  it  ? 

Gawain. 

She  will  and  she  will  not.     Griselda's  triumph 
Her  inmost  soul  has  shaken  to  its  depths. 
Ashamed  she  recognizes  all  her  worth. 
And  gladly  at  her  feet  would  bow  the  knee. 
But  what  her  heart  doth  counsel  wills  not  she. 
And  yet  she  must  consent ;  King  Arthur  presses 
For  the  fulfillment  of  her  word;  commands. 
And  not  entreaties,  are  his  earnest  words; 
And  when  I  left  her  seemed  it  her  desire 
With  dignity  to  yield  her  to  her  fate ; 
And  see,  now  see,  she  hither  comes  apace. 


SCENE  IV.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  137 

Percival. 
'Tis  she  !     Have  you  my  men  assembled  all  ? 

Gawain. 
It  has  been  done. 

Percival. 
And  brought  you  back  my  boy, 
Sir  Tristan,  brought  you  him  within  these  walls  ? 

Tristan. 
Safe  within  Ronald's  arms  I  placed  the  child. 

Percival. 
Then  all  is  well  !     Take  breath  again,  my  soul. 
Now  strikes  the  glorious  moment  of  my  life. 


Scene  IV. — Sound  of  tritmpets  from  without ;  King 
Arthur  and  Ginevra  in  royal  garments ;  Oriana, 
Ktiights,  and  Ladies,  followed  by  Percival's  retinue, 
enter  in  festal  procession. 

King  Arthur. 
In  hospitable  guise,  Sir  Percival, 
The  walls  of  Pendennys  have  welcomed  us ; 
Yet  we  without  reserve  will  make  confession. 


138  Grisclda:  [ACT  V. 

That  we  were  led  to  cross  this  friendly  threshold 

Less  by  the  wish  to  seek  thee  in  thy  home, 

Than  to  adjust  the  odious,  hateful  feud 

'Twixt  one  with  worth,  and  one  with  pow'r  endued, 

From  tests  severe  to  shield  the  good  and  true, 

And  shelter  love  from  the  misuse  of  power ! 

Yet  sorrowing  we  learn  that  to  the  hour 

Was  brought  the  victim  sought  by  senseless  pride, 

And  that  defiance  wicked  did  provide. 

Percival. 
As  thou  hast  said,  so  is't,  my  lord  and  King ! 
The  sacrifice  was  made,  the  victory  won  ; 
Not  thoughtlessly  have  I  the  strife  begun, 
I  have  brought  home  to  me  the  pearl  of  wives. 
My  words  have  been  confirmed  ;  and  now  for  yours  ! 
The  garland  she  has  won  in  conflict  dread. 
Wreathe,  green  and  graceful,  round  Griselda's  head. 
And  lowly  at  her  feet  the  Queen  must  kneel. 

King  Arthur. 
Here  stands  she  !     Speak  to  her  ! 

GiNEVRA. 

My  lord  and  husband  ! 
It  was  a  royal  word  I  pledged  to  him. 
And  royally  Ginevra  will  redeem  it ! 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dranmiic  Poem.  139 

King  Arthur. 
Now  then,  what  wait  we  for  ?     The  moment  flies, 
Unto  the  victor  let  us  yield  the  prize  ! 
Go,  and  bring  hither  Cedric  and  Griselda  ! 

{Aside  to  GiNEVRA.) 
(jinevra,  if  the  splendor  of  our  crown 
J  s  by  this  day's  humiliation  marred, 
We  must  esteem  our  fate  as  well-deserved, 
Not  that  we  in  thy  fault  have  taken  share, 
But  that  we  from  it  had  not  thee  preserved  ! 

[King  Arthur  and  Ginevra  descend  from  the 
throne  ;  Percival  retires  into  the  background 
with  his  vassals. 


Scene  V. — Griselda   enters    in    a  tuoolen    dress    and 
apron,  leading  Cedric 

Cedric. 
Tell  me,  Griselda,  whither  dost  thou  lead  me  "i 
Is  it  to  death? 

King  Arthur. 
Fear  not,  old  man,  step  nearer; 
Thy  King  and  master  speaks  to  thee — Griselda! 


140  Grisclda :  [ACT  V. 

Be  not  surprised  that  these  familiar  walls 

From  whence  but  now  thou  wast  an  outcast  thrust, 

Adorned  in  splendor  do  thy  coming  greet, 

Whom  festal  pomp  and  circumstance  should  meet ; 

Rejoice  thou  also  in  thy  welcome  home. 

Griselda. 

What  say  you,  Sire  ?     Do  you  the  truth  announce  ? 
Both  fear  and  hope  contend  within  my  soul, 
And  with  confusion  all  my  thoughts  perplex ! 
Is  Percival  no  longer  under  ban  ? 
Extinguished  is  the  hatred  of  thy  heart  ? 
For  me  in  splendor  are  these  walls  arrayed? 

King  Arthur. 
By  England's  crown,  I  but  the  truth  announce. 

Griselda. 

The  words  upon  thy  lips  are  words  of  peace, 
Not  anger's  thunder,  not  revenge's  shriek  ; 
The  high-born  lady  seated  at  thy  side 
No  longer  hurls  upon  me  thunderbolts, 
But  gentle  smiles  illuminate  her  face. 
O,  if  it  is  the  truth  thou  makest  known, 
Then  see  me  supplicating  at  thy  feet. 
And  give  a  gracious  hearing  to  my  prayer  ! 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  141 

Cedric. 
Entreat  them  not  I     They  listen  not  to  prayers ! 

King  Arthur. 
Not  kneeling  speak  to  me  !     Arise,  Griselda  ! 
Whate'er  thou  askest  I  will  freely  grant, 
And  never  my  protection  shalt  thou  want. 

Griselda. 

I  plead  not  for  myself,  my  lord  and  King, 
It  is  for  Percival  I  make  entreaty; 
Let  the  full  spring-tide  glory  of  thy  grace 
Irradiate,  as  erst  it  did,  his  brow ; 
Restore  to  him  his  power  and  his  domains. 
To  him  restore  them,  Sire,  not  to  me  ! 
Well  know  I  my  deserts,  and  that  my  place 
Was  never  in  a  proud  and  titled  house. 

Cedric. 
And  therefore,  silly  fool,  he  cast  thee  out ! 

King  Arthur. 
Griselda !     Shame  would  gladly  truth  conceal, 
That  duty  bids  us  to  reveal  to  thee. 
Learn  then,  thou  wast  deceived  by  mere  pretence  ; 
We  did  not  tear  thy  child  from  out  thine  arms. 


142  Grisdda :  [act  v. 

Our  will  did  not  your  marriage  bond  annul  ; 

No  royal  danger  threatened  Percival 

The  terrors  that  o'erwhelmed  thee,  are  not,  were  not, 

What  made  thee  tremble  was  a  shadow  only. 

Gkiselda. 
What  say  you?     Mere  pretence — an  empty  shadow  ? 
My  child,  my  Percival,  but  mere  pretence  ? 
All  I  endured  ?     The  agony  I  nourished 
With  my  heart's-blood  until  it  was  consumed  ! 
A  mere  pretence  ?     Shed  light  upon  this  darkness  ! 
AVith  eager  yearnings  thirst  I  for  the  truth ! 

Cedric. 
What,  we  by  mere  illusions  were  entangled  ? 

Oriana. 

A  word,  Griselda,  will  explain  this  riddle. 
And  lift  the  veils  that  now  obscure  thy  sight. 
Thy  whole  experience  was  a  passing  jest, 
That  Percival,  the  rogue,  upon  thee  played. 
A  mummery  ;  the  occasion  was  a  wager, 
The  prize — was  but  the  footfall  of  a  Queen, 
And  in  the  bargain  was  thrown  in  thy  tears ! 
This  was  his  sole  intent,  with  pride  to  prove 


SCENE  v.]  A  Drainaiic  Poan.  143 

The  collier's  daughter  worthy  of  his  love, 
Degenerate  in  birth,  but  not  in  blood. 

Cedric. 

For  that  ?     For  that  ?     Oh  shameless,  wanton  act, 
In  floods  of  bitter  tears  to  try  the  heart! 

[Percival  snakes  his  way  ihrough  the  crowd^  and 
throws  himself  at  Griselda's/<?^/. 

Percival  (entrcatiiigly. ) 

Beloved,  art  thou  angry  ?     O  forgive  me  ! 
Wipe  from  the  tablet  of  thy  memory 
The  signs  and  tokens  of  thy  sufferings ; 
Let  thy  face  beam  with  reconciliation, 
And  in  th'  abyss  of  an  exhaustless  love 
Sink  the  remembrance  of  my  great  offence. 

CjRiselda  {steps  back,  she  looks  for  a  moment  expressively 
at  Percival,  then  speaks  like  one  awaking  from  a 
dream  .•) 

A  passing  jest !     Repeat  it  !     Let  me  hear  it 
From  thy  lips,  Percival !     Answer  me  truly, 
Was  it  a  test  alone,  was  it  a  jest  ? 


144  Grisclda :  [ACT  V. 

Percival  [after  a  short  pause.) 

'Twas  as  thou  say'st,  a  test.     But  it  is  over  ! 
Thy  child  is  safe  restored,  thy  father  free, 
Thy  happiness  is  all  to  thee  restored  ! 
Forgive  thou  me  !     Reflect  not  on  the  jest 
That  proved  thee  faithful !     It  is  over  now  ; 
Let  it  forgotten  and  forgiven  be. 

Griselda. 
A  jest,  and  I — 

\^She  presses  her  hand  passionately  upon  her  heart 
for  some  moments  ;  then  covers  her  eyes  with 
both  hands,  stands  some  secojids  silent,  half- 
turned  aivay,  then  says : 
'Twas  a  hard  jest,  and  rich  in  bitter  tears  ! 

Percival. 
Thou  weepest  still !     O  let  thy  tears  be  dried. 
My  choice  of  thee  they  ventured  to  deride 
Because  the  forest  bore  thee,  and  because 
Thy  beauteous  form  was  framed  in  poverty ; 
Then  I  opposed  to  title  and  to  rank, 
Thy  heart  so  innocent,  thy  mind  so  pure  ! 
Through  sharpest  pains  I  ventured  thee  to  lure  ; 
And  thou  hast  triumphed,  triumphed  in  each  test. 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  145 

Ginevra  in  the  dust  to  thee  must  kneel, 
And  England  Avith  thy  praises  shall  resound  ! 
Wilt  keep  thine  anger  'mid  such  high  renown  ? 

(iiNEVRA    {who,   mea?i7i)hile,    has   descended,    with    King 
Arthur,  from  the  tJirone. ) 

He  speaks  the  truth,  Griselda  !     I  confess 

The  share  in  his  offence  which  on  me  rests  : 

What  he  fulfilled  was  planned  alone  by  me, 

We  have  repentance  won,  thou  victory  ; 

And  freely  we  proclaim,  our  word  redeeming. 

In  face  of  England's  noblemen  and  knights, 

That  regal  splendor  fades  before  thy  worth. 

That  if  the  good  and  true  on  earth  took  rank, 

Thou  queen  wouldst  be,  and  England's  crown  wouldst 

wear ; 
And  at  thy  feet  Ginevra  humbly  kneels  ; 
Forgive  the  pain  that  reckless  pride  has  caused  I 

Percival  {in  proud  joy  i) 
She  kneels  !     Let  it  resound  through  forests  wild, 
Ginevra  kneels  before  the  collier's  child  ! 

Griselda. 

O  Queen  !     Arise  !     I  plead  with  thee  !     Arise  ! 
Thou  shalt  not  kneel  before  the  collier's  child  ! 
7 


146  G  rise  Ida :  [act  V 

The  victory's  mine,  let  me  refuse  the  prize 
That  torture  and  deception  won  for  me  ! 
About  my  head  you  would  the  laurel  weave, 
Eut  I  have  won  instead  a  crown  of  tl'orns  ; 
For  all  the  death-like  anguish  I  endured 
Grows  pale  before  the  darkness  of  this  hour. 
Faith  went  forth  with  me  in  my  woolen  dress, 
When  with  deluded  steps  I  left  these  halls  ; 
Now  the  delusion  flies,  but  faith  flies  too. 

Percival. 
What  ?     Has  thine  eye  no  single  glance  of  love, 
Thy  lips  no  more  a  smile  for  Percival  ? 
What  pride  has  forfeited,  let  love  repay ; 
Give  to  the  winds  thy  sorrows,  let  the  morning 
Bid  darkness  vanish  at  its  cheerful  dawning. 
If  I  a  cup  of  wormwood  offered  thee. 
Now  sweetest  draughts  of  joy  I  mingle  up  ; 
Thy  life  shall  be  a  crown  of  blooming  flowers ; 
Thy  heart's  most  sacred  and  most  secret  wish, 
I  into  glad  reality  will  turn  ; 
Fulfillment  of  thy  dreams  Til  undertake. 
And  scarcely  shall  a  silent  yearning  wake, 
Ere  longing  and  possession  shall  be  one  ; 
And  as  the  ocean  circles  round  this  isle, 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  14^ 

So  waves  of  pure  delight  shall  round  thee  run, 
And  memory  of  the  past  shall  thee  beguile. 

Griselda  (luearily.  and  in  a  broken  voice.) 
"What  thou  hast  promised  that  thou  ma3^'st  not  give  ! 
No  joy  will  henceforth  in  this  bosom  live, 
Nor  pleasure  ever  animate  this  face  ! 
Can  this  poor  life  by  glory  be  made  bright  ? 
Not  rank  and  power,  love  only  can  delight ! 
O  thou  hast  gambled  all  my  peace  away  ! 
This  faithful  heart  was  but  a  toy  to  thee  ; 
Hast  bound  me  to  the  stake,  and  made  display 
To  other  eyes  of  my  soul's  misery  ! 
Thou  didst  not  tremble  lest  I  sink  therein. 
Thy  only  fear  was  lest  the  Queen  should  win  ! 
May  God  forgive  thee,  as  I  thee  forgive  ! 
But  thou,  my  father,  say,  is  the  offence 
Of  which  thou  didst  accuse  me,  paid  for  now  ? 
If  my  excess  of  love  became  a  crime. 
And  found  a  god  in  him  the  child  of  clay, 
Have  I  not  made  atonement  with  my  tears. 
With  the  deep  grief  of  my  deluded  soul  ? 
Once  more  with  loving  arms  may  I  embrace  thee. 
Dare  sink  upon  the  heart  whence  love  me  stole. 
Not  longing  pomp  and  station  to  acquire, 
An  impulse  high,  not  passionate  desire  ? 


148  Grisclda :  [ACT  V, 

Cedric. 
Come,  my  poor  child,  rest  on  thy  father's  heart, 
Drink  healing  from  the  copious  fount  of  love 
That  springs  within  it  unadulterate. 

Griselda. 
O  lead  me  forth  into  my  native  woods, 
And  to  the  friendly  shelter  of  our  hut. 
Let  me  lay  dreamily  on  nature's  breast 
This  heart  that  has  been  wounded  unto  death, 
And  in  the  shadow  of  her  moss-grown  trees, 
Let  her  beloved  one  fade  away  and  die. 

Cedric. 
Come,  come,  my  child  ;  with  blushes  let  them  say, 
Pain  bore  she,  with  affront  could  not  away. 

Percival. 
My  very  heart  stands  still ;  thy  words,  Griselda, 
Have  stirred  the  deep  abysses  of  my  soul;. 
But  yet  thy  serious  face  deceives  me  not; 
Wilt  thou  requite  me  for  the  wrong  I  did 
With  gloomy  threats,  provokingly  embitter 
My  exultation  in  my  victory  ? 
O  do  it  not  !     Be  reconciled  to  me  ! 
More  radiant  will  thy  crown  triumphant  be 
If  love  and  kindness  are  thy  sole  revenge. 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  149 

Griselda. 

0  Percival,  T  see  thee  through  my  tears, 
And  the  lip  trembles  that  shall  greeting  give; 
Yet  speak  I  must,  this  must  decided  be, 
Frank  must  it  be  ;  peace  dwells  in  honesty  ! 
My  heart  was  thine,  but  never  understood ; 

And  in  thy  hand  it  broke !     For  thou  couldst  play 

With  its  pure  warmth,  and  thou  couldst  vaunt  thyself 

On  its  devotion,  on  its  constancy  ! 

Thou  hast  not  loved  me  !     It  has  vanished  far 

The  glad  and  sweet  illusion  of  my  life. 

My  Paradise  has  into  ruins  fallen  ; 

A  desert  looks  me  joyless  in  the  face  ! 

1  can  no  longer  with  thee  hand  in  hand. 
When  heart  from  heart  turns  wearily  away, 
I  cannot,  Percival !     My  whole  life  hangs, 
My  self-respect,  my  only  aspiration, 
Upon  the  god-like  image  of  my  dreams. 
Upon  thine  image  I     O  let  me  preserve  it. 
As  bright,  untarnished  once  it  filled  my  soul  ! 

Percival. 
What  are  thou  thinking  of,  wilt  what  achieve  ? 

Griselda. 
If  in  obscurity,  was  I  but  born 
To  be  the  sport  of  arbitrary  will, 


150  Grisdda:  [ACT  V. 

A  ball  to  win  and  lose  upon  a  throw  ? 
Thou  hast  not  loved  me;  without  love  to  thee, 
Should  I  be  worthy  to  become  thy  wife 
Or  to  remain  such  ?     Percival,  thou  know'st 
On  thee,  and  on  thee  only,  hangs  my  heart ! 
Unto  the  lowly  house  that  gave  me  birth, 
Return  I  now,  and  to  the  forest  shades, 
And  as  their  whispers  were  my  cradle-songs, 
My  funeral  dirge  shall  murmur  in  their  glades. 

Percival. 
Forsake  me,  wilt  thou,  thou  wilt  fly  from  me  ? 
Mine  art  thou,  mine  !  who  dares  set  claim  on  thee  .-* 
I  hold  thee  fast,  who  dares  thee  tear  away  ? 
Who  from*thy  marriage  vow  has  freed  thee,  say  ? 

Griselda  {suppressing  her  tears). 
Thyself!     The  bond  of  love  was  rent  by  thee. 
And  we  must  separate  !     Yes,  it  must  be  I 
Permit  me  only  but  to  keep  my  boy 
Till  the  short  remnant  of  my  life  is  o'er. 
For  well  I  know  my  days  are  nearly  spent, 
And  as  the  parting  swallow  upward  flies, 
So  homeward  soars  the  sorroAv-laden  soul ! 
Then  as  my  legacy  do  thou  receive  him  ; 


SCENE  v.]  A  Dramatic  Poem.  151 

Of  knightly  honor  teach  him  the  career; 

To  him  atone  for  thine  offence  to  me  ! 

But  in  the  bloom  of  life  do  thou  remain, 

A  noble  stock,  of  glorious  renown. 

And  if  the  force  of  love  should  thee  constrain 

Thy  days  with  marriage  ties  anew  to  crown, 

O  be  not  moved  by  evil  powers,  to  dare 

Also  to  lay  anew  this  testing  snare, 

For  love's  sake  only  love  could  pardon  it ! 

\She  goes  slowly  away  with  Cedric 

Percival  {steps  in  her  way.) 

Orisclda,  thou  wouldst  leave  me?    Nay,  thou  shalt  not! 
Thou  dar'st  not !     Stay,  Griselda  ! 

King  Arthur  {waving  him  back) . 

Hold !     Fall  back, 
Sir  Percival,  henceforth  I  will  protect  her; 
Thy  rights  were  forfeit  when  thou  didst  reject  her. 
And  now  unhindered  shall  she  homeward  turn. 
Love,  for  love's  sake,  will  every  conflict  bear  ; 
But  bids  the  barbarous  impulse  to  beware 
That  fain  upon  her  head  would  set  its  heel ! 


152  Grisclda :  A  Dramatic  Poai.        [ACT  V. 

Thy  house  is  emj^ty,  happiness  has  fled, 

The  bow  of  vict'ry's  triumph  vanished  ! 

Now  dwell  v/ithin  thy  vacant  halls  alone, 

Sufficient  to  thyself,  and  into  ruins  thrown  ! 

YThe  King  departs  with  his  follotvcrs  and  the  vas- 
sals ^_/  Percival,  7i>ho  with  his  face  concealed 
in  his  hands,  remains  alone  in  the  foreground. 


THE     END. 


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